ENHANCIED SUSTAINABLE CATTLE PRODUCTION: A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACT OF FEEDING REGIMENS ON WHITE FULANI CALVES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Eminent among challenges faced by the Nigerian beef industry, is the inconsistent availability of feed affecting livestock feeding practices. Recognizing the need for year-round production of quality meat to meet population demands, the study focuses on the use of supplemental feeding regimens to optimize the growth potential of grazing the white Fulani breed calves in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. The study explored the impact of three feeding regimens (morning concentrate supplement (G1), evening concentrate supplement (G2), and without supplementation (G3)) on body measurements and haematological indices. The experiment, conducted over three months, employs a completely randomized design with three replicates. Proximate analysis of the supplemental diet and forages reveals nutritional compositions within the recommended ranges for calf growth crude protein of 8.90 % and 22.59 % and dry matter of 88.66 %-90.80 %. Body measurements showed significant improvements, with evening supplementation leading to notable changes in body length (6cm), weight, circumference, and tail length. Red blood cell count (8.46 x 106uL, haemoglobin (6.90 g/dL), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (24.50 g/dL), exhibited significant variations (P>0.05) among the feeding regimens, suggesting a nuanced impact on animal health. In conclusion, supplemental feeding in the evening emerges as a promising strategy to enhance the performance of white Fulani calves, not only in terms of growth but also in maintaining favourable blood profiles.