scholarly journals Defining the effects of wheat type, water inclusion level, and wet-diet restriction on variability in performance of broilers fed wheat-based diets with added water

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-272 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. Scott ◽  
F. G. Silversides
Keyword(s):  
Durum Wheat ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Key Words Wheat ◽  
Energy Retention ◽  
Added Water ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Type Water ◽  
Dietary Treatments

The objectives of the study were to determine if feed conversion ratio (FCR) in broilers fed wet Hard Red Spring (HRS) as compared to Durum-based wheat diets could be reduced by: (a) diluting HRS with Durum wheat, (b) pelleting of the wheat, (c) adding different levels of water to the diet, or (d) restricting intake of diets to which water was added. Three wheat types [Durum, HRS and a Composite (50:50) sample] were ground, with one portion of the ground grain being pelleted and reground before both forms of each wheat type were included at 80% of a basal broiler diet. All diets were supplemented with a commercial wheat enzyme and fed as a mash. Each of the six diets was fed in one of four feed regimens: DRY (as is); WET1.2 (DRY with 1.2 g water g-1 feed); WET0.6 (DRY with 0.6 g water g-1 feed); and RWET1.2 [WET1.2 diet treatment restricted-fed to 120% of the previous day’s DRY feed intake (on an air-dried basis) for each diet type]. This provided 24 dietary treatments each fed to six cages of five male broilers from 1 to 21 d of age. The wet diets were prepared daily. Among the feed regimens WET1.2 resulted in the significantly highest 21-d body weight. The significant increase in feed intake and FCR of HRS-based diets with added water was reduced significantly by diluting this wheat with Durum wheat. Feeding the unpelleted Composite wheat sample significantly improved growth rate over either wheat alone, presumably due to an improved balance of nutrients. Pelleting significantly reduced intake of wet HRS-based diets and increased apparent metabolisable energy (AME), resulting in a marked reduction in FCR compared to unpelleted diets. There was some value in using less water in HRS-based, but not in Durum-based diets, with respect to FCR and metabolisable energy retention. Physical restrictions of feed intake reduced FCR of wet (WET1.2) unpelleted HRS diets, but did not affect the same diet when wheat was pelleted. Further work is required to establish the optimum consistency of feed in a wet form to maximize feed intake and growth while minimizing FCR. Key words: Wheat, wet feeding, enzymes, feed intake, broilers

Influence of soybean bioactive peptides on performance, foot pad lesions and carcass characteristics in broilers

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. R. Abdollahi ◽  
F. Zaefarian ◽  
Y. Gu ◽  
W. Xiao ◽  
J. Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Functional Protein ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Poultry Diets ◽  
Foot Pad ◽  
Dietary Treatments

SummaryThe influence of different inclusion levels of a biologically active peptide derived from soybeans by enzymatic hydrolysis, on growth performance, foot pad lesions and carcass characteristics in broilers were examined in this study. Starter (1 to 21 d) and finisher (22 to 42 d) diets, based on maize and soybean meal, were subjected to seven inclusion levels of a commercial soybean bioactive peptide (SBP) product (Fortide, Chengdu Mytech Biotech Co. Ltd., Chengdu, Sichuan, China) at 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 g/kg of diet. All diets were equivalent in respect of energy density, digestible amino acids and other nutrients. A total of 840, one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were allocated to 42 pens (20 birds/pen), which were randomly assigned to seven dietary treatments. During the starter period, there was no significant effect of SBP on weight gain and feed intake of the birds. However, a significant (P < 0.05) effect of SBP was observed for the feed conversion ratio (FCR), with SBP inclusion at 3.0 g/kg and above showing lower (P < 0.05) FCR values compared to the diet with no SBP. No effect of SBP was observed for weight gain and feed intake over the whole trial period. However, SBP inclusion tended (P = 0.06) to influence the FCR of birds. Increasing SBP inclusion level resulted in gradual decrease in FCR values, with SBP inclusion at 5.0 and 6.0 g/kg showing lower FCR values compared to the diet with no SBP. Overall, the present study suggests that dietary supplementation of SBP in broiler diets has the potential to improve FCR and to be used as a novel functional protein in poultry diets.

Impact of wet feeding wheat-based diets with or without enzyme on broiler chick performance

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. A. Scott
Keyword(s):  
Durum Wheat ◽  
Propionic Acid ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Wheat Cultivars ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Key Words Wheat ◽  
Voluntary Feed Intake ◽  
Enzyme Supplementation ◽  
Digesta Viscosity

Two studies were conducted to determine the effect of wheat source on voluntary feed intake when diets were offered in a wet or dry form. The first experiment was designed to establish if a mould inhibitor was necessary. The second experiment allowed more extensive screening of wheat types to determine if there is a genetic component in wheat that explains the differences observed in exp. 1. Experiment 1 was based on two wheat cultivars [Hard Red Spring (HRS) and Durum]. Each wheat was ground, one portion was used as is, the other pelleted and re-ground. The four wheat sources were included at 80% of a standard bioassay diet (with enzyme) and each diet was fed with or without propionic acid. The eight diets were fed ad libitum as is or with 1.2 g water per gram of feed. The wet diets were prepared daily and all diets were fed to four groups of six male broilers from 1 to 17 d of age. The second experiment utilized three cultivars each of HRS and Durum wheat fed in similar bioassay diets with no pre-pelleting or added mould inhibitor; each diet was fed with or without enzyme. Each of the 12 diets in the second experiment was fed with and without 1.2 g water per gram of feed to six groups of eight male broilers from 1 to 21 d of age. For both experiments, the daily intake of feed, on an air-dried basis, was detennined for each diet and used to calculate feed conversion for the respective feeding periods. Experiment 1 showed no effect of supplementing the wheat-based diets with propionic acid. This same experiment also clearly showed that feed intake was increased with wet feeding and there were significantly greater effects when HRS as compared to Durum wheat was fed. Experiment 2 clearly established that there are distinct differences in voluntary feed intake with wet feeding utilizing HRS as compared to Durum wheat. This experiment indicated that wet feeding mimics enzyme supplementation with regard to lowering digesta viscosity, but it is clearly unique from enzyme supplementation with its large effect on feed intake and growth. These studies support our hypothesis that variability in hydration rate of cereal-based diets may limit intake. Key words: Wheat, wet feeding, enzymes, feed intake, broilers

A comparison of grinding processes and wet feeding of wheat-based diets on AME, production, and gastrointestinal tract development of broiler chicks

2006 ◽  
Vol 86 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-261 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Afsharmanesh ◽  
T. A. Scott ◽  
F. G. Silversides
Keyword(s):  
Particle Size ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Broiler Chicks ◽  
Gut Development ◽  
Lower Efficiency ◽  
Energy Retention ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Feeding Diets ◽  
Ground Wheat

This experiment studied the effect of grind mill type [hammer (HM) or attrition (AM)], grind size (5.6 mm 4.8 mm, and 2.4 mm) and wheat type [Durum or Hard Red Spring (HRS)] on the performance, energy retention (AME), and the gut development of broilers fed these diets with or without 1.2 g water-1 g dry feed added. Twenty-four dietary treatments (2 grind types × 3 grind sizes × 2 wheat types × wet or dry feeding) were each fed to four cages of six male broilers from 1 to 17 d of age. Wet diets were prepared daily. Feeding diets with water increased 17 d body weight and feed intake of broilers compared with feeding the diets dry. Body weight and feed intake of broilers fed the HM diets were greater than those of broilers fed diets containing wheat processed by AM. Feed intake and FCR with HRS-based diets were higher than those for Durum-based diets. The AME for Durum was higher than for HRS and the ME efficiency (kcal g-1 BW) was greater, indicating a lower efficiency. The AME intake of HM ground wheat was higher than for that for wheat ground with the AM. The type of grinding, the wheat type, and the addition of water all affected the length and weight of the digestive system, likely through their effects on the rate of water absorption and passage through the gut. Particle size did not affect any measurement. Hammer milling produced a uniform particle size and less fines and may be better suited for processing wheat in broiler diets. Key words: Broiler, wheat, wet feeding, AME, gut development

scholarly journals Response of growing rabbits to graded levels of fermented and unfermented pineapple peel

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 86-98
Author(s):  
O.A. Adeyemi ◽  
A.O. Ajado ◽  
A.O. Okubanjo ◽  
O.O. Eniolorunda
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Trial Period ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Pineapple Peel ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Retail Cuts

Forty growing rabbits were allocated equally to five groups in a 2 x 3 factorial layout and caged individually for a 56-day trial period in hutches. They were used to compare the effects of two processing methods (unfermented and fermented) and three dietary replacement levels of Pineapple peel meal (PPM) at 0%, 12.5% and 25% of maize on weight for weight basis. Parameters evaluated during the trial period included: growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and feed cost. Results show that average daily weight gain (ADG) reduced (P<0.05) as dietary inclusion level of PPM increased, although rabbits fed PPM at 12.5% dietary inclusion level compared favourably (P>0.05) with those fed the control diet (0%). However, ADG of rabbits fed fermented PPM was statistically higher (P<0.05) than that recorded for rabbits fed unfermented PPM. No significant (P>0.05) difference was observed in daily feed intake of rabbits as a result of dietary inclusion level or processing type of PPM. Better (P<0.05) feed efficiency was recorded in rabbits fed PPM at 12.5% dietary inclusion level than those fed at 25%. Fermentation enhanced the nutritional value of feedstuff and also improved feed efficiency. Total feed cost reduced (P<0.05) by 21.39% when PPM was included in the diet at 25%. However, production result was not comparable with the control. But feeding fermented PPM at 12.5% inclusion level resulted in the best (P<0.05) economy of production. Processing type or dietary inclusion level of PPM had no significant (P>0.05) effect on dressing-out percentage of experimental animals. There were neither significant (P>0.05) effects of processing type nor dietary inclusion level on retail cuts of the rabbits fed the different experimental diets. In all feeding rabbits with diets containing fermented PPM up to 12.5% replacement level for maize optimum performance.

scholarly journals Growth performance of starter broiler starter chicks fed soaked and fermented baobab (Adansonia digitata) seed meal based diets

2021 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-75
Author(s):  
A. R. Akintunde ◽  
I. H. Saidu ◽  
M. A. Oguntoye ◽  
H. K. Mohammed ◽  
A. Mustapha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Seed Meal ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Final Weight ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Means of cutting down cost of feed resources in order to bridge the wide gap between demand and supply of animal protein in livestock production is a great concern in the poultry industry. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding diets containing soaked and fermented Baobab seed meal (BSM) on the growth performance of broiler starter chicks. A total of 150, one-day old chicks were randomly distributed into five treatment groups. Treatments were replicated three times with 10 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The dietary groups were designated as T1 for control (0 % BSM), T2 (7.5 % SBSM), T3 (15.0% SBSM), T4 (22.5% FBSM) and T5 (30 % FBSM). Parameters monitored include final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, feed cost per kg gain (N) and mortality (%) The experiment lasted for 4 weeks. The results showed that the dietary treatments had significant (P<0.05) effect on all the parameters measured. Final weight and total weight gain were similar and significantly (P<0.05) higher in birds fed diets T2 and T4 when compared to other dietary treatments. However, birds in T5 group had the least significant (P<0.05) values 366.67 and 217.34 g/bird respectively. Daily weight gain (7.76 g/bird/day), total and daily feed intake (873.33 g and 31.19 g/bird/day) of birds followed similar trend and were significantly (P<0.05) lower in T5 group compared to other treatments. Feed conversion ratio of birds fed diet T5 had significantly (P<0.05) higher value (4.29) when compared to those in other treatment groups. Feed cost per kg gain (N) was significantly (P<0.05) lower and similar in birds fed T2, T3 and T4 when compared to values obtained in the control group (N253.27) and T5 (N 327.52). Mortality (%) only occurred in birds fed T5. It was therefore concluded that inclusion of 22.5% fermented baobab seed meal in broiler diets improved performance and had no negative effect on the health status of birds.     Des moyens de réduire le coût des ressources alimentaires afin de combler le defi posé à cause de la demande et l'approvisionnement en protéines animales dans la production animale est une grande préoccupation dans l'industrie avicole. Cette étude a été menée pour étudier l'effet des regimes alimentaires contenant de la farine de graines de baobab trempée et fermentée (le 'BSM') sur les performances de croissance des poussins de départ. Un total de 150 poussins âgés d'un jour ont été répartis au hasard en cinq groupes de traitement. Les traitements ont été répliqués trois fois avec 10 poussins par réplique dans une conception complètement randomisée (le 'CRD'). Les groupes diététiques ont été désignés comme T1 pour le contrôle (0% BSM), T2 (7,5% SBSM), T3 (15,0% SBSM), T4 (22,5% FBSM) et T5 (30% FBSM). Les paramètres surveillés comprennent le poids final, le gain de poids, la prise alimentaire, le taux de conversion alimentaire, le coût de l'alimentation par kg de gain (N) et la mortalité (%). L'expérience a duré 4 semaines. Les résultats ont montré que les traitements diététiques avaient un effet significatif (P <0,05) sur tous les paramètres mesurés. Le poids final et le gain de poids total étaient similaires et significativement (P<0,05) plus élevés chez les oiseaux nourris avec les régimes T2 et T4 par rapport aux autres traitements diététiques. Cependant, les oiseaux du groupe T5 avaient les valeurs les moins significatives (P <0,05) 366,67 et 217,34 g / oiseau respectivement. Le gain de poids quotidien (7,76 g / oiseau / jour), l'apport alimentaire total et quotidien (873,33 g et 31,19 g / oiseau / jour) des oiseaux ont suivi une tendance similaire et étaient significativement (P<0,05) inférieurs dans le groupe T5 par rapport aux autres traitements. Le rapport de conversion alimentaire des oiseaux nourris au régime alimentaire T5 avait une valeur significativement plus élevée (P <0,05) (4,29) par rapport à ceux des autres groupes de traitement. Le coût de l'alimentation par kg de gain (N) était significativement (P <0,05) plus faible et similaire chez les oiseaux nourris T2, T3 et T4 par rapport aux valeurs obtenues dans le groupe témoin (N253,27) et T5 (N 327,52). La mortalité (%) n'est survenue que chez les oiseaux nourris au T5. Il a donc été conclu que l'inclusion de farine de graines de baobab fermentée à 22,5% dans les régimes alimentaires des poulets de chair améliorait les performances et n'avait aucun effet négatif sur l'état de santé des oiseaux.

scholarly journals Effects of dietary energy level and guanidino acetic acid supplementation on growth performance, carcass quality and intestinal architecture of broilers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Necmettin Ceylan ◽  
Sait Koca ◽  
Shahram Gozlar Adabi ◽  
Shahram Golzar Adabi ◽  
Necla Kahraman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Metabolism ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Intestinal Development ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Significant Depression ◽  
Metabolisable Energy ◽  
Dietary Treatments ◽  
Width Reduction ◽  
Broiler Feed

Energy, known as the most expensive nutrient in broiler feed, is what strongly adjusts and affects the growth of broilers. Creatine has a key role in cellular energy metabolism and could be synthesised from guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) in the liver; however, its de novo synthesis is not able to adequately fulfil the demand of energy metabolism, especially in fast-growing modern broilers. So the aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of commercial GAA in energy-reduced broiler diets on performance and intestinal development. Overall, 11 400 day-old Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to six dietary treatments with ten replicates in each. Dietary treatments were designed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three levels of dietary metabolisable energy (AME<sub>n</sub>)  recommended by Aviagen for Ross 308 broilers (12.55 MJ/kg, 12.97 MJ/kg and 13.38 MJ/kg for starter, grower and finisher, respectively), 0.209 MJ/kg and 0.418 MJ/kg reduced and two levels of GAA (0.00% and 0.06%). There was no significant GAA × AME<sub>n</sub> interaction for all performance parameters, carcass traits and jejunal morphological parameters (except for the villus width). Reduction of dietary AME<sub>n</sub> (0.209 MJ/kg and/or 0.418 MJ/kg) caused a significant depression in body weight (BW) gain (P &lt; 0.001) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P &lt; 0.001). However, a decreasing AME<sub>n</sub> level increased villus height (P &lt; 0.003) and villus surface area (P &lt; 0.03), while crypt depth and villus width were similar. The GAA improved final BW and FCR by 1.77% and 1.66%, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Birds fed low energy diets supplemented with GAA showed a significant improvement in the performance so that BW and FCR were the same as in the control birds; however, no such positive effects were obtained in jejunal villus development. Hence, it might be concluded that 0.06% GAA supplementation improves BW and FCR and can save at least 0.209 MJ/kg dietary AME<sub>n</sub> in broiler diets.

scholarly journals Digestible lysine requirement for European laying quail

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. e46070
Author(s):  
Teófilo Izidio de Morais Severo ◽  
Marco Aurélio Carneiro de Holanda ◽  
Mônica Calixto Ribeiro de Holanda ◽  
Leandro Ricardo Rodrigues de Lucena ◽  
Wilson Moreira Dutra Junior
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Coturnix Coturnix ◽  
Linear Behavior ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Completely Randomized Design ◽  
Different Levels

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the productive performance of European quails (Coturnix coturnix) in the production phase, fed with diets containing different levels of digestible lysine. A total of 175 female quails, aged 65 days, were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates per treatment. The animals were housed in 25 metal cages, and each cage represented an experimental parcel, with seven birds per parcel. The birds were fed the experimental rations containing 1.177, 1.217, 1.317, 1.417, and 1.517% digestible lysine. The parameters evaluated were: laying rate, mass of eggs produced, feed intake in the period, lysine intake, feed conversion per dozen and per mass. Significant differences were observed for posture rate with quadratic behavior, which indicated higher production for the level of 1.23% of digestible lysine. There was an increasing linear behavior for the feed and lysine intake, and for conversion feed per dozen and by mass, we observed quadratic behaviors. This indicates better feed conversion index when the optimal inclusion level was 1.33% and 1.404% of digestible lysine in the diet, respectively. The requirement of digestible lysine in diets for European quails is 1.404%, which corresponds to a daily intake of 421.20 milligrams of digestible lysine.

scholarly journals Determining the Importance of Macro and Trace Dietary Minerals on Growth and Nutrient Retention in Juvenile Penaeus monodon

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2086
Author(s):  
Ha H. Truong ◽  
Amy F. Moss ◽  
Nicholas A. Bourne ◽  
Cedric J. Simon
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Penaeus Monodon ◽  
Nutrient Retention ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Crude Lipid ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Energy Retention ◽  
Gross Energy ◽  
Dietary Minerals ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Twelve minerals were screened to identify key dietary minerals important for Penaeus monodon growth. The minerals selected included boron, calcium plus phosphorus (assessed in tandem at a 1:1 ratio), cobalt, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, selenium, sodium, strontium and zinc. Twelve purified casein/gelatin-based diets were formulated and contained minerals at two levels: below expected requirements, as attributed by the basal formulation (−) and above expected requirements by adding inorganic minerals (+). The two levels were allocated to dietary treatments in juvenile prawns in accordance with the PB design. A two-level screening analysis was employed where effect of each mineral at level − or + across twelve diets were compared to identify the minerals of importance for culture performance of juvenile prawns. Calcium plus phosphorus (at a 1:1 ratio), magnesium, boron, manganese, selenium and zinc produced the greatest positive effects on weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, biomass gain and nutrient/energy retention. Particularly, boron and manganese significantly increased retention of key macronutrients and energy including gross energy, crude protein and crude lipid. Our study demonstrates the importance of several macro and trace minerals in prawn diets and the pressing need to refine their requirements for P. monodon.

Effects of storage time and exogenous xylanase supplementation of new season wheats on the performance of young male pigs

2003 ◽  
Vol 83 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Cadogan ◽  
M. Choct ◽  
R. G. Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
Young Male ◽  
Wall Structure ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Free Sugars ◽  
Key Words Wheat ◽  
Series Of Experiments ◽  
Daily Gain ◽  
Time Of Harvest

A series of experiments was conducted to investigate the influence of new season wheats on pig growth performance. Experiments were carried out on 10 different wheats at the time of harvest and 10 mo post-harvest. At harvest wheat, at a 65% level in the steam-pelleted diets, influenced (P < 0.01) feed intake and daily gain over a 21-d trial. Thus, feed intake and daily gain of pigs offered the lowest and highest quality wheats varied by 47 and 48%, respectively. There was, however, no effect on feed conversion ratio (FCR), even though dry matter (DM) digestibility and digestible energy (DE) values of different wheats differed significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). The non-starch carbohydrate (NSC) level of the wheats was measured as the sum of non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and free sugars. The NSC level of the wheats negatively affected feed intake (r2 = -0.556: P < 0.01) and daily gain (r2 = -0.574: P < 0.01). After 10 mo of storage, the feed intake and daily gain of the pigs fed the same wheats were significantly (P < 0.01) higher, but not all the wheats responded to storage. A xylanase product was added to three of the 10 mo-old wheats, which were pre-characterized as low, medium and high intake wheats. The enzyme increased (P < 0.01) daily gain and feed intake of the pigs fed the low-quality wheat by 50.6 and 42.8%, respectively. It may be concluded that the nutritive value of wheat for weaner pigs varies widely and appears to be related to the level of NSC and the cell wall structure of the grain. Key words: Wheat, non-starch polysaccharides, non-starch carbohydrate, xylanase, pigs

scholarly journals Growth performance, nutrient intake and digestibility of goats fed melon husk and palm oil slurry at 30% inclusion level

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-154
Author(s):  
K. A. Sanwo ◽  
S. O. Iposu ◽  
A. O. Oso ◽  
A. O. Fanimo ◽  
S. S. Abiola
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Conversion Ratio ◽  
Feed Conversion Ratio ◽  
Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Average Daily Weight Gain ◽  
Inclusion Level ◽  
Dietary Treatments

A 126-day study was conducted to determine growth, nutrient intake and digestibility of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed melon husk (MH) and palm oil slurry (POS) as replacement for maize offal at 30% in concentrate diets. Sixteen goats weighing 6.5 – 7.Okg were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments at 4 replicates of each. Dietary treatments included control (Diet 1): 0% MH 0% POS; Diet 2: 30% MH 0% POS; Diet 3: 0% MH 30% POS; and Diet 4: 30% MH 30% POS; supplemented with Panicum maximum (grass). Data collected were statistically analysed and results showed that animals on control Diet (Diet I) had the highest (P<0.05) average daily weight gain of 31.57g/day, and a corresponding highest (P<0.05) feed intake of 365. 97g/day and best feed conversion ratio of 11.59. Animals fed Diet 3 had lowest (P<0.05) average daily weight gain of 19.42g/day, with corresponding lowest (P<0.05) dy matter intake of 334.94g/day and poor feed conversion ratio of 17.24, respectively. Variations in dry matter, organic matter and crude fibre (CF) intake were significant (P<0.05). Crude protein (CP) intake decreased progressively from diet 1 to 4, but not significantly (P >0.05). CF intake was highest in diet 4 (124.6g) and lowest in diet 1(64.72g). Ether extract (52.80g), Ash (21.48g), Neutral detergent fibre (222.88g), and lignin (60.64g) were highest in diet 4. Dry matter digestibility was highest in animals on diet 2 (86.31%) and lowest in those on diet 4 (72.28%). It was evident that goats could be fed MH and POS at the inclusion levels adopted in this study except at 30% POS inclusion level at which growth was poorest.  

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