Enhancing rural livelihoods in ASALS through feedlot finisher ration validation for small ruminants' early markets

Abstract

This study aimed to identify intensive small ruminant rearing and feedlot finishing rations based on evaluated small ruminant grass-legume finisher rations among Dorper sheep farmers in Narok County. Feedlot finishing rations are limited in Kenya, perhaps due to a paucity of sheep and goat finishing formulae on the market, coupled with a lack of expertise in formulation. The experiment used a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) with three groups: TR0 (control, traditional grass grazing), TR6 (Ration 6), and TR8 (Ration 8). Each treatment involved 10 sheep, with the control replicating farmers’ current practices. The trial assessed growth performance metrics, including average daily weight gain (ADG) and final market weights, along with meat quality evaluations using a Linkert scale and semi-structured questionnaires. After 12 weeks, significant differences (p<0.044) in market weight were observed. Sheep on Ration 8 achieved the highest mean weight (45.8 kg), followed by Ration 6 (40.8 kg), while control group had the lowest (38.1 kg). The organoleptic evaluation revealed that ration 8 produced well-marbled, tasty, and juicy meat, ideal for barbecue preparation. Ration 6 yielded tender, soft meat with less fat cover suited for marination and stew. The control group produced tougher, less fatty meat that tended to burn during roasting. Meat quality ratings showed a preference for feed trial carcasses over the control, although the assessment was limited to roasted meat, excluding fried or boiled samples. The findings underscore the potential of formulated finisher rations, particularly Rations 8 and 6, to improve growth performance and meat quality, addressing market demands for premium sheep products.