S.G. Kuria1, H.K. Walaga1 and I.A. Tura2
1Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Marsabit Research Centre, P.O. Box 147-60500 Marsabit, Kenya
2Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Garissa Research Centre, P.O. Box 230-70100 Garissa, Kenya
ABSTRACT
An on-station experiment was conducted in Gudas sub-station of the Kenya Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Marsabit Research Centre located in northern Kenya to validate a modified mineral supplement for camels, hitherto formulated using local material including livestock bones. The modification was necessitated by international concern over the use of animal ingredients in the making of animal feeds due to the threat of mad cow disease. In the modified mineral supplement, the bone component was replaced with general purpose industrial chemicals which were expected to supply mineral elements previously supplied through the bones. Two hundred grams of the modified supplement were individually fed to dissimilar (in terms of parity, age and lactation stage) institute camels daily for a period of 6 months. The camels were randomly assigned the treatments such that a total of 27 camels were in the experiment with 15 treated and 12 controls. During the 6 months study period, data on milk yield and calf growth was taken on weekly basis. The results showed an increase of 17% and 25% in milk and calf growth, respectively, compared to over 30% for both parameters recorded with the original supplement. The study concluded that the original supplement exhibited more profound influence on milk yield and calf growth compared to the revised one. However, responses registered with the revised supplement were significant.
Key words: Animal feeds, camel performance, ingredient type, Kenya
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