Effect of yeast (S. cerevisiae) fermented sugarcane bagasse and concentrate on nutrient intake, digestibility, and growth performance of sheep

This study investigates the application of yeast (S. cerevisiae) fermentation to enhance the nutritional quality of sugarcane bagasse as feed for sheep. The experiment, conducted at Sylhet Agricultural University, spanned from April to July 2021, using 12 growing sheep divided into three groups (T0, T1, and T2). Group T0 received an 85% green grass and 15% concentrate mixture. T1 received a composition of 60% green grass, 20% fermented sugarcane bagasse, and 20% fermented concentrate mixture, while T2 received 60% fermented sugarcane bagasse and 40% fermented concentrate mixture. Results indicate that fermented feed-supplied groups demonstrated improved nutrient intake, digestibility, and growth compared to the non-fermented feed group. In the T2 group, Dry Matter Intake (DMI), Crude Protein Intake (CPI), Crude Fiber Intake (CFI), and Ether Extract Intake (EEI) increased by 48.91%, 40.27%, 29.44%, and 39.89%, respectively. The Net Feed Eciency Index (NFEI) and Organic Matter Intake (OMI) increased by 79.57% and 55.75% in the T2 group, respectively. Total Ash Intake (TAI) and Metabolizable Energy Intake (MEI) increased by 5.36% and 6.52%, respectively. DMI and CPI per kg metabolic weight (kg w0.75) increased by 30.93% and 23.28%, respectively. Weight gain increased by 57.11% in the T2 group, but nutrient digestibility, Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), and economic prot were superior in the T1 group. Further research is recommended to explore the utilization of yeast-fermented sugarcane bagasse in sheep farming, focusing on meat quality characteristics