Effective Microorganisms(EM(TM))for N-Balance and Growth of Local Sheep

An experiment was conducted to determine different levels of EM-bokashi® and MEM solution inclusion in supplemental diets of Afar sheep(Ethiopia) on nitrogen balance and growth. 25 yearling male sheep with a BW of 18.8kg ± 1.6kg were used in the study. In CRB design, five sheep were randomly assigned to each of the five dietary treatments that consisted of ad libitum tef straw + concentrate (300gm/head/day) + no supplementation (T1), and supplementation of EM-bokashi® with 1% (T2), 3% (T3) and 5 % (T4) on dry matter (DM) basis and 14% (T5) MEM solution. Daily LW gain was lower (P 0.05) in sheep supplemented with the same diet compared to the other levels of EM-bokashi® inclusion. Apparent digestibility coefficient of DM and CP at any percentage of EM-bokashi® and MEM solution inclusion was non significant (P 0.05) however significant nitrogen intake with corresponding nitrogen retention were higher (P 0.05) for treatment 5 with the lowest being for treatment 2.From the results of this study, it is concluded that EM(TM) could be included preferably in its MEM solution form than bokashi at 14% or more in the ration of sheep.