:::: Merit Research Journals :::::::

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of using different levels of sorghum husk on performance and carcass characteristics of Desert Sheep (Hamari). Twenty-seven male lambs of Hamari, were used at of age (4 – 5 months) and average body weight 11kg. The lambs were randomly divided into three groups (9 lambs) each group were subdivided into three groups, three animals, fed three experimental rations with varying sorghum husk levels 0%, 20% and 30% respectively. Feeding was continued for 60 days. Performance was determined. Three lambs were slaughtered terminally for carcass yield and meat quality assessments. Study results showed that final weight gain, total and daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and cost of one kg meat were significant difference (P≤0.05) among sorghum husk levels. Ration with level 20% sorghum husk had the highest values for final weight gain. The result indicated that the sorghum husk levels was significantly (P≤0.05) differences for Empty body weight(kg), Ration with 20% had the highest values for Slaughter weight. The study showed no significant (P≥0.05) differences for the dressing percentage on empty body weight basis. The highest values for dressing percent in both slaughter and empty body weight observed in control group, however, the study showed no significant (P≥0.05) differences muscles, fat, bone, and connective tissues. It was concluded that the ration with 20% sorghum husk is better in most parameters and has lowest costs for one kg meat produced. Therefore, sorghum husk can be used up to 20% of the ration for fattening sheep.

Keywords: Sorghum Husk, Performance, Hamari, Carcass and sheep