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In situ Rumen Degradability of Treated Maize Stover by Wadara Bulls in Maiduguri, North Eastern Nigeria

Umar, S. J.*¹, Kibon, A.², Ocheja, J. O.³, Abdullahi, U.⁴, Salisu, S. G.⁵,Bukola, O. A.⁶, Lamido, M.⁷, Ikwunze, K.⁸

^1,3,6 Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State
²University of Maiduguri, Borno State
⁴Federal University of Gashua, Yobe State
⁵Ahamdu Bello University, Kaduna State
⁷Federal University of Dutsin ma, Katsina State
⁸Micheal Okpara University of Agriculture, Abia State, Nigeria

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2023 26(2): 1-7

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The study's goals were to see what effects urea and poultry dropping treatments had on the chemical profile and in situ rumen dry matter degradability and kinetics of maize stover in Wadara cattle. There were three treatments namely, untreated; urea (at 5%) and poultry droppings (at 50:50 ratio) treated maize stover. The stover was ensiled for 21 days. In the investigation, three Wadara bulls with permanent rumen cannulas were used. The maize stover was incubated for 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours in the rumen of the bulls. Crude protein (CP) percentage in the stover improved significantly (P<0.05) from 5.5% in untreated to 19.4% in poultry droppings treated stover whereas crude fibre (CF) content did not change markedly (P>0.05) across treatments. Rumen degradability increased with incubation time and was always higher (P<0.05) in treated than untreated stover. The extent of degradability of DM (c) was statistically (P<0.05) higher in treated stover. Outflow rate at 24 hours after incubation was 3.1, 3.0 and 3.2%/hr in untreated, urea and poultry droppings treated stover respectively. In conclusion, the use of urea and poultry droppings in treating maize stover affects the chemical composition and DM in situ rumen degradability and kinetics positively. Poultry droppings can be used instead of urea in stover ammoniation effectively.