| dc.description.abstract | This experiment aimed to study the effect of provision of cassava leaves silage (CLS) as substitution for concentrate on rumen fermentation characteristics and performance of Javanesse Thin Tail Sheep. The experimental design used was block randomized design (4x4) using 16 male sheep of nine months old with body weight of 15.36 ± 2.59 kg and they were placed in the individual metabolic cage. The treatments were T0 (100% of napier grass), T1 (60% napier grass + 40% concentrate), T2 (60% napier grass + 20% concentrate + 20% CLS), and T3 (60% napier grass + 40% CLS). The results showed that provision of cassava leaves silage in the rations decreased (P<0.05) nutrient digestibility but increased (P<0.05) energy and protein consumption and rumen fermentability. Provision of CLS at level 20% (T2) had average daily gain, EPP, and IOFC similar to those of 40% concentrate treatment (T1). Provision of CLS at level 40% (T3) had average daily gain, EPP, and IOFC significantly lower (P<0.05) than those of 20% CLS and 40% concentrate treatment. It is concluded that CLS can be given at level of 20% of total ration which is equal to 50% concentrate. Feeding sheep only with napier grass do not fulfill their nutrient requirement for proper growth. | en |
