Live Performance and Rumen Microbial Composition of Yankasa Rams with Supplemented Levels of Zingiber officinale

Aim: The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of graded levels of Zingiber officinale on performance and rumen microbial composition of Yankasa rams.

Methodology: A complete experimental diet was formulated while ginger was supplemented at 0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5 g/kg inclusion levels to serve as treatments. The four treatment diets were fed to twenty (20) intact male animals with an average live weight of 34.2±1.07 kg. A completely randomized experimental design (CRD) was used in the experiment with four treatments replicated five times. Each animal serves as replicate and graded levels of ginger representing treatments.

Results: Results indicated significant difference (P<0.05) in animal’s final weight, live weight gain and average daily gain. Ginger supplementation beyond 2.5 g/kg resulted in decreased bacterial specie composition in the rumen. Bacillus sp was found to be persistent even at the highest level of supplementation.

Conclusion: It was concluded that for efficient animal performance, ginger supplementation should not exceed 2.5 g/kg.