Seasonal growth and the effect of supplementary feeding on the performance of sheep under range condition of Southern Darfur, Sudan

Abstract

In a study of Sudan desert sheep (fuse ecotype), a natural grazing growth trial was followed 
by another of dry summer dietary supplementary feeding trial. Trials were carried in 
Ghazal Gawazat Station, of Southern Darfur (37º, 11' north, 3º 26' east); 360 metres above 
m.s.l and an annual rainfall 400-600 mm. The sheep on natural range grazing had highest 
body weight in the cool winter season, than in other season. The rainy season was the worst 
in sheep performance in spite of abundant-rich pasture, because of unfavorable 
environmental wet conditions, associated with high humidity and flourishing of irritating 
biting flies. Dry summer season supplementation increased daily gain compared to cool 
winter season gains; particularity with groundnut cake or Roselle oilseeds supplements. 
Nevertheless, supplementation with groundnut haulm (Hay) maintained body weight 
attained during cool season, without noticeable gain.