Effect of different types of roughage on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of Baggara bulls

Abstract

Thirty six Western Sudan Baggara bulls of an average live weight of (192.92±8.90kg) and 
2 years age are used in a feeding trial for 70 days. Bulls were divided into three groups 
(A, B and C) and each group was further divided into four animals sub groups. Different 
sources of roughage groundnut hay, Sorghum straw and Bagasse were randomly  
allocated to group A, B and C respectively. A concentrate molasses based diet (composed 
of 52% molasses 39% wheat bran, 5% groundnut cakes, 3% urea and 1% common salt) 
wase affected to all bull group. Feed intake was significantly (P<0.01) increased  in bulls 
fed sorghum straw than those fed groundnut hay or Baggasse diet. Live weight gain was 
not significantly different between groups. There were no significant differences in total 
gain and hence daily weight gain between the three groups, but bulls fed Bagagasse a 
roughage source had the Sorghum straw higher daily gain followed by the group fed 
Sorghum straw and groundnut hay, respectively. Feed conversion ratio was not 
significantly different but the group fed sugarcane Baggasse had an improved feed 
efficiency than those fed groundnut hay or sorghum straw.  
Carcass measurements were not affected by the type of roughage except carcass length 
which was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group A) that was given than those given the 
other roughage sources. Non carcass components were not affected by the type of 
roughages but the group fed baggasses showed higher significant (P<0.01) gut fill than 
the other groups. Carcass yield and characteristics and Sirloin cut composition was not 
affected by type of roughage. Meat chemical composition was not affected by type of 
roughage except ash which was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group C (Baggasse) than 
in the other group.