EVALUATION OF FEEDS AND FEEDSTUFFS FOR RUMINANTS IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF IN-SACCO TECHNIQUE

Bamigboye Funmilayo O.

Department of Agricultural Science, Afe Babalola University, P.M.B. 5454, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Author's Email -: ✉ familade@yahoo.com; bamigboyefo@abuad.edu.ng

Accepted March 13, 2019

The rate and extent of nutrient degradation in the rumen determines its availability to rumen micro-organisms and host animal. In-sacco evaluation technique is an essential tool in measuring the rate and extent of feed degradation in the rumen. Hence, this work discussed the meaning of in-sacco technique, procedure and methods that can be used to determine rumen degradation. Calculations and degradation kinetics involved in this technique were disclosed. Its use as an indicator for predicting some in-vivo parameters were also elaborated in the present study. Implication of it use in animal nutrition; limitations and benefits were enumerated. In conclusion, in-sacco technique is a great tool that can be used in Nigeria in ruminant nutrition for feed evaluation because it requires less sophisticated laboratory machines. The state of power generation and supply also gave this technique an edge over in-vitro gas technique in Nigeria.

Key words: In-vivo, animal nutrition, in-vitro gas technique.

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