Utilisation of Roughages (Rice Strauw) Treated with Mineral Feed to Cattle in Tandjilé Province, Chad

Abstract

The study was conducted in Tandjilé Province Chad (GPS coordinates: 9° 39’ 45° 25” N latitude and 16° 43’ 24° 46” E longitude). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of treating roughages with minerals feed to cattle in dry season in Tandjilé. Thirty six Arab Zebu bulls weighing between 254-255 kg and aged 5- 6 years were assigned into three (3) treatments (T1, T2 and T3) with 12 replication per treatment in completely randomize design. The bulls were fed the experimental diets after returning from natural free grazing pasture and water provided ad-libitum. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance. The results of the experimental feed indicated that the total weight gain (22.00kg), average daily weight gain (244g/head/day) were observing in T2. Daily dry matter intake and total dry matter intake were significantly higher (P˂0.05) in group of bulls receiving rice straw treated with urea mixed with groundnut haulm plus cowpea haulm and cotton seedcake (T2). Lower values were obtained on group (T3) of bulls fed untreated rice straw mixed with groundnut haulm plus cowpea haulm and cotton seed cake (T3). However, the final weight gain were significant different among all treatments. The treated of rice straw with organic and inorganic mineral supplemented with groundnut haulm and cowpea haulm and cotton seedcake increased the weight gain and dry matter intake of bulls. It is recommended that grazing bull diets be supplemented with treated rice straw containing Doom fruit salt, poultry manure or urea mixed with cotton seedcake, groundnut and cowpea haulm during dry season for an improved performance.