Physiological Response of Male Indigenous Local Sheep Given Different Level of Brachiaria humidicola Grass and Cassava Hull

Abstract

The body condition of livestock is affected by physiological process which is stimulated by environmental changes such as weather, nutrition and management factors. The main objective of this research is to observe physiological response of male indigenous local sheep given different level of Brachiaria humidicola grass and cassava hull. Twelve yearling male indigenous local sheep with initial average body weight 19,06 ± 1,46 kg were used in this research. Dietary treatments consisted of R0: 100% Brachiaria humidicola + 0% cassava hull, R1 : 80% Brachiaria humidicola + 20% cassava hull, R2: 60% Brachiaria humidicola + 40% cassava hull, R3: 40% Brachiaria humidicola + 60% cassava hull. The parameters observed were rectal temperature, frequency of respiration, and heartbeat. Both indoor and outdoor microclimate had been measured (temperature and humidity). Randomized Complete Design with three repetition was used to analyze the data, and any significant differences were further tested by using Duncan’s test. The experimental showed that result were not significant (P>0,05) to rectal temperature, frequency of respiration and heartbeat. It is concluded that the use of cassava hull in feed must be more carefully because of HCN as limited factor and its possible negative effect on sheep physiology response.

Produktivitas ternak pada dasarnya adalah hasil interaksi antara faktor dalam (genetik) dan faktor luar (lingkungan). Faktor luar yang mempengaruhi produktivitas ternak berkaitan dengan faktor cuaca, nutrisi dan manajemen. Kulit singkong sebagai pakan alternatif telah digunakan sebagian peternak dalam usaha penggemukan domba. Kulit singkong mengandung zat anti nutrisi yaitu HCN dan energi yang tinggi, dan diperkirakan dapat mempengaruhi respon fisiologis domba.