Evaluation of post harvest processing methods for improved utilization of pearl millet(Pannisetum glaucum)as a source of energy in non ruminant diets

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate post-harvest treatment methods for improved utilization of pearl millet (Pannisetum glaucum) as a source of energy in the diets of non-ruminants. The objective of the study was to evaluate the feeding quality characteristics of pearl millet subjected to different enzymes when used in the preparation of rations for non-ruminants. The first part of the study was proximate analysis to compare pearl millet with other cereal grains. The treatment methods for pearl millet included soaking seeds in water for three days for them to germinate and then dried them in the sun for three days (3) after which they were ground using a Hilley and Willy laboratory mill. The second treatment involved use of untreated or raw seeds, for the third, fourth and fifth treatments the ground pearl millet was treated with Cellulase, Xylanase and Termamyl enzyme preparations. The enzymes were mixed at the rate of 0.5ml/kg dry matter of diet. The rats were for digestibility study and chicks were used for growth performance. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD). Daily Feed intake, live body weight gain and mortality were recorded which facilitate determination of digestibility percentage in rats, growth rate and weight gain in Rats and Chicks. From the results when compare nutrient composition of pearl millet with that of other cereal grains, the trend showed that pearl millet had highest content of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and phosphate as compared with other cereal grains. The results growth performance of chicks fed on pearl millet after being subjected to various treatment methods showed that the chicks fed on the diet based on Xylanase had the highest growth rate followed by those fed on diet based on Germinated, Cellulase, Raw and Termamyl. The results on digestibility of nutrients for different treatments also show that the rats fed on the diet treated with Xylanase was the highest followed by those fed on diet based on Germinated pearl millet and the lowest was that of raw pearl millet