The Effect of Supplementing Bothriocline schimperi, Erythina brucie and Brugmansia suaveolens bercht as Replacement for Concentrate on Weight Gain, Testicular Parameters and Semen Characteristics of Bonga Sheep

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of flushing Bonga rams with selected indigeneous forages of Ethiopia, Botheriocline schimperi, Erythina Brucei and Brugmansia Suaveolensbercht. The effects on average daily gain and semen quality were measured. The study was conducted on-farm for a period of 90 days + 21 adaptation at Adiyo District, Southwest Kaffa zone, Southwest Ethiopia between May 2021 and November 2021. Rams (n=50) with body weight of 40-70kg and ages of 1.5-2 years were used in a factorial design of two flushing levels and five treatments. Experimental animals were allocated based on initial body weight measured at the beginning of the adaptation period and were randomly assigned to one of treatment diets including the control group. Rams had ad libitum access to desho grass as a basal diet and water. Dried leaves of Botheriocline schimperi, Erythina Brucei and Brugmansia Suaveolens berch leaves were supplemented as follows: T1- desho grass ad libitum (control); T2-desho grass ad libitum + 1kg Erythina Brucie (Korch); T3- desho grass ad libitum + 1kg Botheriocline schimperi, T 4- desho grass ad libitum + 1kg of Brugmansia Suaveolensberch; T5- grass ad libitum + 500g concentrate. Flushing was done either 14 days or 21 days before semen collection. Semen was collected weekly over a period of 90 days using artificial vagina. Scrotal circumference and semen quality traits were measured. Quality traits included colour, volume, mass motility and sperm concentration. 14-days flushing had higher (P<0.05) ADG compared to 21-days flushing but had no effect on scrotal circumference nor sperm quality parameters. Supplemented groups had higher (P<0.05) ADG compared to the control. T2 had ADG comparable to T5. Supplementation had no effect on scrotal circumference but tended to increase (P>0.05) sperm quality parameters. Erythina brucei can replace concentrates for growth and flushing of rams.

Key words: Nutritional flushing, rams, indigenous forages, sperm quality.