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The study evaluated the effect of substitution of Pleurotus ostreatus biodegraded sugarcane scrapings (BSS) for corn bran on the growth performance and reproductive potential of Kano Brown bucks. Twenty-one healthy buck kids (6 – 7 months of age, with an average initial BW of 9.44 ± 0.39 kg) were stratified into three treatments and fed: (1) a total mixed diet containing no BSS (0% BSS; control), (2) the control diet containing 15% BSS substituting 50% corn bran and (3) the control diet containing 30% BSS substituting 100% corn bran on dry matter basis (DM) for 12 weeks in a completely and fully randomized design. Intakes of DM, crude protein and organic matter, and sperm concentration varied in the order: 15% BSS 0% BSS 30% BSS (p0.05). Final BW, semen volume, initial fructose, scrotal length (SL) and scrotal circumference (SC) were greater in 15% BSS diet than 0 and 30% BSS diets. Semen pH and color, sperm progressive motility, viability and abnormalities, and live spermatozoa were not affected by diets. Whereas testosterone level was greater in 0 and 15% BSS diets, libido was lower in 30% BSS diet. Final BW was positively correlated with SC (p=0.030; r = 0.510) and SL (p = 0.048; r = 0.472). It was concluded that up to 30% biodegraded sugarcane scrapings can be used in a complete diet for bucks without negatively impacting final body weight and semen quality, though 15% BSS was more impactful and recommended.
Anaso et al. (Wed,) studied this question.