The Use of Cassava, Sweet Potato and Cocoyam, and Their By-Products by Non – Ruminants

Abstract

As the search for alternative sources of energy for non ruminants continues, this review was undertaken to examine the potential value of cassava (<i>Manihot utilissima </i>Pohl.), sweet potato (<i>Ipomea batatas </i>Poir.), cocoyam (<i>Xanthosoma sagittifolium </i>Schott.) and their by-products as dietary supplements for non ruminants. Studies on these roots and tubers showed that, on a dry-weight basis, contained 2.0 – 7.9% crude protein, 0.3 – 3.1% crude fibre and 72.4 – 77.9% starch. The practical use of these roots and tubers in non ruminant feeds is generally low. This level of utilization is attributed to the low protein and dry matter and the potentially toxic cyanogenic glycosides in fresh cassava and irritating substance in cocoyam. Processing techniques such as fermentation, soaking, boiling, ensiling and sun-drying are adopted to remove the deleterious substances, and effects on animals. The comparable performance of pigs and poultry fed varying levels of roots and tubers and their by-products with those maintained on maize showed that they can be used as substitutes in non-ruminants diets at certain levels without detrimental effects. To achieve increase in the use of these root crops and their by-products for maize replacement in intensive non-ruminant production systems, adequate protein supplementation and proper processing are essential.