Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p> Nigerian smallholder livestock output is constrained by a lack of feed. By improving digestibility and protein value, urea-molasses-treated maize cob turns tonnage of maize cobs into cost-effective, climate-smart feed for ruminant nutrition that is sustainable. Using a completely randomized design, fifty West African Dwarf (WAD) rams between the ages of five and seven months were divided into five dietary treatments: T1 (0% UMTMC), T2 (25%), T3 (50%), T4 (75%), and T5 (100%). The 86-day feeding study included a 14-day acclimatization phase. Morning meals were provided, and <italic>Panicum maximum</italic> was grazed in the evening. Measurements were made of rumen fermentation parameters, proximate composition, performance attributes, nutrient intake, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization. When UMTMC was added, the crude protein content increased from 11.30% in T1 to 17.37% in T5, but the crude fiber percentage decreased from 13.97% to 10.60%. Improved fiber quality was indicated by a decrease in fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, and ADL). Daily weight gain increased from 34.52 g/day (T1) to 57.54 g/day (T4), feed conversion ratio improved from 23.57 (T1) to 15.75 (T4), and daily feed intake increased from 811.71 g/day (T1) to 904.76 g/day (T4). With total volatile fatty acids peaking at 240.00 Mm/100 ml (T5), stable rumen pH (6.73–6.90), and increased microbial counts in T3, rumen fermentation verified increased microbial activity. By safely substituting wheat offal, UMTMC enhanced growth, rumen fermentation, digestibility, and nutrient intake. Its usefulness as a cost-effective, climate-smart feeding method for Nigerian smallholders is highlighted by its optimal advantages at 75% inclusion. </p>