Performance and Scrotal Circumference of Yankasa Rams Fed Graded Levels of Dietary Protein Using Cotton Seed and Palm Kernel Cakes

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of graded levels of dietary protein on the live weight changes and scrotal Circumference of Yankasa rams. Fifteen rams were used in this study aged 19.06 ± 2.4 months and weighing 19.4 ±1.6 kg in good body condition scores (3.5). They were divided into three treatment groups (A, B and C) according to the dietary protein levels. Groups A, B and C received 10%, 15% and 20% crude protein levels respectively. All rams were fed basal diet of hay ( Digitaria spp ) ad-libitum and given a supplement ration of concentrate mixture at 2% body weight/day. Body weights and scrotal circumferences were recorded weekly using weighing scale and flexible measuring tape for 12 weeks. There were significant (P < 0.05) differences in the scrotal circumference increase between groups A and B, A and C respectively. Rams fed 10% crude protein had significantly (P < 0.05) lower mean live weights than those fed 15% and 20% crude protein (CP). Feeding rams 15% CP gave significantly higher values in terms of scrotal circumference than values obtained in rams fed 10%. Although rams fed 20% CP have higher values, there was no significant difference with those fed 15% CP or 20% CP. Therefore, Yankasa rams should preferably be fed crude protein levels of 15% for better live weights and scrotal circumference.