EFFECT OF SENNA TORA LEAF MEAL COMBINED WITH YEAST-FERMENTED SORGHUM STALKS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMICS OF RED SOKOTO BUCKS

Abstract

The study evaluated the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae inoculant on the silage quality of sorghum stalks and its nutritional impact when combined with Senna tora leaf meal (STLM) in diets for growing Red Sokoto bucks (RSBs). Sorghum stalks were ensiled with yeast and molasses under anaerobic conditions for 21 days. Fifteen (15) healthy RSBs of between 8 – 9 months with an average weight of 9.62 ± 0.88 kg were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments over a 47-day trial. The diets incorporated varying proportions of ensiled sorghum stalks (ESS) and STLM: A (0% ESS:100% STLM), B (100% ESS:0% STLM), C (95% ESS:5% STLM), D (90% ESS:10% STLM), and E (85% ESS:15% STLM), formulated per 100 kg of dry matter. STLM demonstrated high nutritional value, with elevated crude protein (26.99%), metabolizable energy (2,265.60 kcal/100 g), and low fiber content (8.85%). Phytochemical analysis revealed tannins (8.03 mg/100 g), phytates (4.61 mg/100 g), glycosides (1.09 mg/100 g), and trace sennosides (0.1 mg/100 g), while saponins and cyanide were absent. Diets containing (STLM: ESS) significantly influenced (P<0.05) nutrient composition, with treatment C showing the highest nitrogen-free extract (NFE) of 48.00% and lowest crude ash (6.99%) and fiber (22.37%), enhancing NFE (P < 0.05). Growth performance was notably improved by the inclusion of STLM and ensiled sorghum stalks, with treatment E having the highest (P<0.05) average daily gain (85 g/day) and most efficient feed conversion ratio (5.62 kg) feed/kg gain; . Diet E (85% ESS:15% STLM)) is hereby recommended for optimum nutrient utilization and feed efficiency in Red Sokoto Bucks.