Proximate composition of rumen digesta from sheep slaughtered in Zuru Abattoir, Kebbi State, Nigeria

Biochemical studies with a view to assess the proximate and essential mineral content of sun-dried rumen digesta were carried out. The values for each of the nutrients were collected in triplicates according to the samples analyzed. The results of mean percentages showed the samples contained moisture (5.83±0.17), crude protein (15.52±0.20), lipids (5.17±0.17), fiber (48.73±0.72), ash (11.00±0.29) and carbohydrates (19.98±0.32). The essential minerals were sodium (19.98±0.32), potassium (4.73±0.18), magnesium (0.42±0.03), calcium (0.45±0.03) and phosphorous (4.73±0.03). The results indicated that rumen digesta from sheep slaughtered in Zuru metropolitan abattoir has nutritional qualities that could provide livestock producers with additional nutrients for enhanced animal nutrition. It is therefore recommended for livestock feeding trials in small ruminant production.