Antwi et al., 2023. Ghanaian J. Anim. Sci., 14(1): 46-63

In ruminant nutrition, the persistent issue of feed scarcity especially during the dry season necessitates the exploration of diverse feeding options. This study evaluated the suitability of Oxytenanthera abyssinica (OA) and Bambusa balcooa (BB) bamboo leaves as supplements for Djallonké sheep fed Cenchrus purpureus (CP) and Brachiaria decumbens (BD) grass basal diets. Leaf ingredients were subjected to standard chemical and in vitro fermentation assessments. Furthermore, a total of 20 Djallonké ewes, initially weighing 14.3±1.17 kg, were randomly assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: CPOA (400 g CP + 200 g OA), CPBB (400 g CP + 200 g BB), BDOA (400 g BD + 200 g OA), and BDBB (400 g BD + 200 g BB). Among the leaves, OA had the highest crude protein content (124 g/kg DM), in vitro gas yield (24 ml), and fermentation rate (0.67 ml/h). The COA-supplemented sheep significantly (p < 0.05) consumed more feed (505 g/d), and gained more weight (96 g/d), with higher plasma protein levels compared to the BB supplement. The feeding of bamboo leaves, especially O. abyssinica has the potential to improve ruminant nutrition. Further research on practical applications in various ruminant systems is required.