Use of dry Leucaena leucocephala leaves as a protein' supplement in sheep diets

Abstract

Fifteen yearling desert rams. 25 kg live body weight (B. wt) were 
randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments of 5 animals each. The three 
dietary treatments were; sorghum Stover (S.S) given ad lib for control 
treatment group (A) whereas group (B) and (C) were offered in addition to 
(S.S), 10.0 g /kg and 20.0g/kg live body weight respectively, dried 
Leucaena leucocephala leaves (D.L.L.L). The results showed that the total 
dry matter intake (ME) was significantly (P< 0.05) higher by 30% and 50% 
in groups Band C respectively compared to that in the control group (A). 
However, the sorghum stover intake was not affected by the (D.L.L.L) 
supplementation level in group B&C. The digestibility coefficient of (S.S) 
was improved by (D.L.L.L) supplementation and was found to be 
statistically significant ( P<0.05) at groups B and C levels. Body weight 
gains were significantly (P <0.05) affected by the treatment. While they 
were negatively affected in-group A, the gains were positive at 12 g /day 
and 49g/day in B and C respectively.