Performance of Dorper sheep fed on range grasses and legumes under Feedlot in Kajiado

A feeding trial of range grass and legume rations was conducted at Kipeto in Kajiado County to determine; nutritive value, feed intake and performance of twenty-four Dorper female sheep aged between 12-15 months old. The diets comprised of African foxtail (Cenchrus Ciliaris), Bush rye (Enteropogon macrostachyus) grasses, Lucerne (Medicago sativa), and Desmodium spp legumes. Each six treatment diet had four animals as follows; Diet 1:C. Ciliaris+ Lucerne, Diet 2; C. Ciliaris + Desmodium, Diet 3: Enteropogon macrostachyus + Lucerne, Diet 4:Enteropogon macrostachyus + Desmodium , Diet 5: C. Ciliaris and Diet 6:Enteropogon macrostachyus. .Each ration was analyzed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), Acid-detergent fiber (ADF) and Neutral-detergent fiber (NDF). In addition, crude fibre (CF), Nitrogen free extract (NFE),Acid detergent lignin (ADL), Ether extract (EE) and ASH were determined using wet chemistry. Completely randomized block design was employed to assess feed intake, weight gain of sheep. The data collected was analyzed using Genst at 14th edition, and the means separated with turkey HSD at 5% significant level. The results showed a significant differences (P< 0.05) amongst different rations given to sheep. The C. Ciliaris + Desmodium and E macrostachyus + Desmodium had the highest DMI of 851.9g/day and 844.0g/day respectively. They also recorded highest ADWG of 251.9±5.5g and263.0±7.6g/day respectively. Therefore, inclusion of legumes in grass diets boosted DMI and ADWG.