scholarly journals Morphological Identification of Rumen Microbial Isolate and Rumen Metabolites of West African dwarf sheep supplemented with forage-based Multi-nutrient Blocks

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Isah ◽  
A. V. Ijiyemi ◽  
O. A. Ajayi ◽  
B. E. Afolabi ◽  
J. O. K. Talabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Ammonia Nitrogen ◽  
West African ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Microbial Count ◽  
Fermentation Products ◽  
Microbial Identification ◽  
West African Dwarf

This study investigated the rumen fermentation parameters and rumen microbial identification of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep supplemented with forage – based multinutrient blocks (MNB). Twenty-five male WAD sheep, 9 – 12 months of age were used. The animals were randomly assigned to five formulated experimental multi-nutrient blocks having five animals per treatment and were fed with Panicum maximum ad libitum as basal diet for 84 days. The multi-nutrient blocks were Ipomoea triloba-based multi-nutrient block (IMNB), Merremia aegyptia-based multi-nutrient block (MMNB), Tithonia diversifoliabased multi-nutrient block (TMNB), Chromolaena-odorata based multi-nutrient block (CMNB) and Azadirachta indica-based multi-nutrient block (AMNB). The chemical composition, nutrient intake and concentration of rumen metabolites were statistically compared. Also, rumen microbes were isolated and identified. Results revealed that CMNB had highest (P < 0.05) dry matter and crude protein contents (87.48 and 22.75% respect ively) and sheep fed this block recorded highest dry matter and crude protein intakes (756.08 and 85.26 g/day respectively). Total volatile fatty acid, acetate, propionate and ammonia nitrogen concentrations as well as total viable bacteria count were higher (P < 0.05) in sheep fed AMNB. Ruminococcus spp and Lactobacillus spp were among the group of bacteria isolated from the rumen of sheep fed forage based multi-nutrient blocks. It was concluded that feeding of forage based multi-nutrient blocks especially CMNB and AMNB to ruminant could improve rumen microbial count and fermentation products which can also improve the efficiency of the animals towards better performance.

scholarly journals Nutritive Value and Preference of Guinea-Grass Ensiled with or without Additive by West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats

2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-182
Author(s):  
T. O. Abegunde ◽  
S. O. Babalola ◽  
B. T. Adeoye ◽  
A. O. Usman ◽  
O. M. Akinfemi
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Guinea Grass ◽  
Silage Additives ◽  
Cassava Peels

A study was designed to investigate silage additives’ effect on preference and nutritive value of five weeks re-growth guinea grass by West African dwarf (WAD) goats. The silages of five weeks re-growth guinea grass were made without additive (T1), with cassava peels additive (T2), and with fermented epiphytic juice of lactic acid bacteria in Panicum maximum (FEJPM) additive (T3). The effects of silage additives on preference, voluntary feed intake, growth, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization were assessed using 18 growing WAD goats (BW: 5.88±0.26 kg) in a completely randomized design. Dry matter was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T2 silage (40.70 g/100g) than in T1 silage (39.00) and T3 silage (34.60). Crude protein values were similar (p>0.05) in T1 and T3 silages (10.63 and 10.72 g/100g DM) that were significantly lower (p<0.05) than that in T2 silage (12.54 g/100g DM). The silages of guinea grass had acceptable physical attributes in terms of color, odor, and texture, with pH values ranging from 3.87- 4.97. T1 and T3 silages were rejected, whereas T2 silage was accepted well by the experimental WAD goats. Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was significantly (p<0.05) the highest in the WAD goats fed T2 silage (303.30 g/day), and the lowest (p<0.05) was found in WAD goats fed T1 silage (271.60 g/day). Similar to the ADFI, the highest average daily gain (ADG) was found in WAD goats fed T2 silage (37.25 g/day), and the lowest ADG (p<0.05) was found in WAD goats fed T1 silage (24.50 g/day). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of WAD goats fed T2 silage (8.15) was superior to those of WAD goats fed T1 silage (13.63) and T3 silage (9.66). Crude protein and dry matter digestibility values were higher (p<0.05) in WAD goat fed T2 silage (68.24 and 63.87%, respectively) than in WAD goats fed T1 and T3 silages. Nitrogen intake and balance were significantly (p<0.05) the highest in WAD goats fed T2 silage (12.41 and 8.68 g/day, respectively), and these variables were similar in WAD goats fed T1 and T3 silages. Nitrogen retention was not affected by the silage additives. It was concluded that cassava peels were better than FEJPM as a silage additive since it improved fermentative quality, acceptability, feed intake, and digestibility of guinea grass silage by WAD goats.

scholarly journals Performance of West African dwarf goats fed supplemented with Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal concentrates

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-303
Author(s):  
A. N. Fajemisin ◽  
G. A. Ibhaze ◽  
A. A. Adeyeye
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goats ◽  
Leaf Meal ◽  
Dwarf Goats

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the performance of West African Dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum supplemented with Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal for 49 days. Four diets were formulated such that diet A contained 0.00% Myrianthus arboreus, diet B contained 10.00% Myrianthus arboreus, diet C contained 11.00% Myrianthus arboreus and diet D contained 12.00% Myrianthus arboreus respectively. A total of twelve (12) West African Dwarf goats were randomly allocated to the four diets with three animals per diet, each serving as a replicate. Parameters assessed were the chemical composition of the experimental diets, growth rate and digestibility coefficient of the animals. The results showed that diet D had the highest dry matter (92.55%) and crude protein (20.55%) contents. The average daily weight gain (g/day) of animals was significantly (P<0.05) nfluenced across the treatments. Animals fed diet D recorded the highest weight gain (19.39g/day) while the least weight gain (7.55g/day) was recorded for animals on diet B. The highest total dry matter intake (340.34g/day) was recorded for animals on diet D while the least (313.18g/day) was observed in animals fed diet C. The best feed conversion ratio(17.55) was recorded in animals fed diet D. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in the nutrient digestibility of the experimental animals. The highest dry matter (82.70%), crude protein (86.18%) digestibilities were observed in diet D while the least dry matter digestibility (72.73%) was observed in diet B. However, the least fibre fractions digestibilities were observed in diet D. It can therefore be concluded that supplementation of Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal concentrate at 12% inclusion with Panicum maximum as basal diet for goats can enhance nutrient digestibility and improve growth without any deleterious effects on the animals.

scholarly journals Nutrient intake and digestibility of selected browse plants fed in combination with Panicum maximum to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks

2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-172
Author(s):  
U. Okah ◽  
E. A. Anita
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
West African ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Faecal Nitrogen ◽  
Urinary Nitrogen

A study was conducted to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility of Panicum maximum fed in combination with selected browse plants to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Four intact West African dwarf (WAD) bucks of mean body weight 17.50kg were used to conduct digestibility study in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design experiment. Four forage combinations, diets A, B, C and D were fed to the goats. Diet A, the control, was 100% Panicum maximuni, while diets B, C and D contained 60% Panicum maximum each plus 40% of Alchornea cordifolia, Manniophyton fulvum and Gmelina arborea, respectively. The study lasted 56 days in a 14 day x 4 change over periods. Data were collected on dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake and digestibility. Simple linear regression and correlation were used to assess the degree of relationship between some of the digestion components. The result of proximate analysis indicated that the diets (P. max + browse) B, C and D had significantly (p<0.05) higher dry matter (%DM) contents of 81.12, 81.09 and 80.68%, respectively, than the 75.71% for diet A (sole P.max). Crude protein content of 17.56, 15.62 and 17.52%, respectively were also higher (p<0.05) than the 8.38%for diet A. There was higher (p<0.05) ether extract content of 2.43, 2.38 and 2.32%, for diets B, C, and D, respectively than the 1.32% for diet A. The ash content of 10.71, 9.78 and 9.76% for diets B, C and D respectively, were also higher (p<0.05) than the 7.83% for diets A. Metabolizable energy (MJKg-1) values of 1.41, 1.42 and 1.42 for diets B, C and D were also higher (p<0.05) than the 1.31 for diet A. However, the crude fibre value of the diet A (27.26%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the 18.30, 19.30 and 18.58% for diets B, C and D. respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in DMI among treatment means. Vitro significantly (p<0.05) higher for animals fed diets B(15.04). C(13.12 ) and D(14.48 ) wherein P.max was fed in combination with browse plants than in the diet A( 6.28) group fed sole Pmax. Faecal nitrogen showed no significant (p>0.05) difference among treatment means. Urinary nitrogen was significantly (p<0.05) higher in diet A group (0.39) than in diets B (0.30), C (0.34) and D (0.43) groups. There was positive nitrogen balance for all in the treatment groups. Apparent nitrogen digestibility (%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in diets B (92.37). C (90.51) and D (97.63) groups than in diet A (79.49). Nitrogen intake (g/d) could not reliably predict faecal nitrogen (g/kgDM) in diets C and D groups. Absorbed nitrogen (g/d/WKg0.75) could not predict urinary nitrogen (g/d/WKg0.75) in any of the diets. Biological value (BV) of the diets were A (55), B (45), C (81) and D (97). The result of this study shows that the animals fed P. max + browse recorded higher DMI, nutrient intake and digestibility than the sole P.max diet. These evaluation indices were, however, mostly better in the diet B group (60% P.maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia). The combination of 60% P. maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia is therefore recommended for West African dwarf (WAD) goats reared in the humid tropics of Nigeria for optimum intake and improved nutrient utilization.

scholarly journals Silage Quality and Preference of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) with Varying Levels of Poultry dropping and Cassava Peel by West African Dwarf Goats

2019 ◽  
pp. 537-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Binuomote R. T. ◽  
Bamigboye F. O. ◽  
Amuda A.J. ◽  
Ayebogan G. M.
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
West African ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
Elephant Grass ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Grass Silage ◽  
Light Green ◽  
Cassava Peel

In this study, elephant grass ((Pennisetum purpureum) was ensiled with varying levels of poultry dropping and cassava peel (CSP). Silage characteristics and chemical composition of the silage mixtures were determined in the laboratory while preferences of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats for the mixtures were assessed using eighteen (18) WAD goats. The treatments were: T1: P. purpureum (60%), poultry dropping (40%), dry cassava peel (0%); T2: P. purpureum (60%), poultry dropping (30%), dry cassava peel (10%); T3: P. pupureum (60%), poultry dropping (20%), dry cassava peel (20%); T4: P. purpureum (60%), poultry dropping (10%), dry cassava peel (30%); T5: P. purpureum (60%), poultry dropping (0%), dry cassava peel (40%) and T6: P. purpureum (100%). All the mixtures formed good silage, except the silage with the highest proportion of poultry dropping (T1) and acidity (pH) ranged from 6.75 to 3.80 (T1 and T5 respectively) while colour varied from pale to light green with dark brown and white speckles as proportion of cassava peel in the silage mixture increased. All silages had firm texture with pleasant and slightly alcoholic smell. Dry matter (DM) content of silage increased as proportion of cassava peel in the mixture increased while crude protein (CP) and (NDF) reduced. DM, CP and CF varied from 27.00 to 54.00%, 8.46 to 10.72% and 28.52 to 60.52 %, respectively. The preference by goats was 11.22, 20.44, 20.71, 21.78, 22.56 and 32.28% for T5, T4, T6, T3, T2 and T1 respectively. These results revealed that the silage properties, chemical composition and acceptability of elephant grass silage by WAD goat were enhanced by the addition of cassava peel and poultry dropping to elephant grass

scholarly journals PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE WEST AFRICAN DWARF (Fouta djallon) GOATS FED SPONDIAS MOMBIN Plus CONCENTRATE.

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-163
Author(s):  
A. B. J. AINA
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Feed Efficiency ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Young Female ◽  
West African ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Spondias Mombin ◽  
Fouta Djallon

The effects of supplementing Spondias mombin The plant grows effectively on tropical humid with a concentrated diet were investigated with respect to dry matter and crude protein intakes ability, retention, feed efficiency and growth rate in and harsh conditions. 50 young female West African dwarf (Fouta djallon) goats in a 90% - day feeding trial. The rate, mean dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.05) different from one another with regard to different supplementation levels while the highest dry matter intake was exhibited by : the does fed with 25% browse plus 75% concentrate diet. The does on 75% browse plus concentrate diet indicated the best performance in terms of growth rate (106g/day) and feed efficiency (0.391). The highest crude  protein intake (86.21g/day) and protein retention (57.18g/ W0.75kg) were induced by 50% of browse and 50% concentrate supplement. The protein requirement for maintenance in the does was 24,459/Wk0.75.

Degradation of Crude Protein in Groundnut Cake, Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum) and Rumen Epithelial Scraping based Diets by West African Dwarf Sheep

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 106-115
Author(s):  
O. A. Ogunwole ◽  
A. Akinfemi ◽  
A. O Akinsoyinu
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Insoluble Fraction ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Groundnut Cake ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Outflow Rate ◽  
Guinea Grass ◽  
Rumen Undegradable Protein

Three West African dwarf rams fitted with rumen cannula, were used in a completely randomized design for degradation of crude protein (CP) of groundnut cake (GNC), Panicum maximum, rumen epithelial scraping (RES), and diets containing increasing levels of RES. Concentrate diets were formulated such that 0% (A), 50% (B), and 100% (C) of groundnut cake were replaced with RES in a diet containing 20% GNC. The soluble fraction a, insoluble fraction b and rumen undegradable protein (RUP) obtained for GNC, grass and RES varied significantly (P<0.05). Significant (P<0.05) variations were also observed for a, b and RUP of the test ingredients. Effective degradability (ED) of CP in GNC, grass and RES (at outflow rate of 0.02) were 38.19, 19.63 and 2.13 respectively. The ED values obtained for the diets decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increased inclusion of RES. Panicum maximum and RES contained significantly higher (P<0.05) level of RUP when compared with GNC. The RUP values obtained for the diets were not influenced (P>0.05) by the inclusion of RES.

scholarly journals Nutritional potential of differently processed Cajanus cajan leaves on nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf growing rams fed Panicum maximum

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 208-216
Author(s):  
I. A. Adebisi ◽  
A. B. Ajibike ◽  
O. O. Okunola ◽  
J. A. Alalade ◽  
H. O. Amusa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Cajanus Cajan ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Protein Digestibility ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Nitrogen Utilization ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Dietary Treatments

Browse legume plants particularly pigeon pea forage generates a lot of underutilized leaves which if properly harnessed can be a cheaper source of nutrients for small ruminant animal production, during dry season feed shortages. In this study, the nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf growing rams fed differently processed Cajanus cajan leaves and Panicum maximum basal diet for 56 days feeding trial. A total of sixteen(16) growing WAD rams between 6 - 9 months with an average body weight of 7.00 - 12.00k were randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 4 rams each and 2 rams per replicate. The experimental diet was fed at 3% body weight of individual ram while fresh, wilted, and dried forms of Cajanus cajan leaves supplemented at varied inclusion levels (0%, 30% fresh, 30% wilted and 30% dried) with Panicum maximum. There were significant (P<0.05) differencesin all parameters determined on nutrient digestibility across the dietary treatments. Animals maintained on T (70% Panicum maximum and 30% dried Cajanus cajan leaves) had the 4 highest dry matter digestibility (60.46%), while the lowest value (48.56%) for DMD was recorded in T diet. Rams fed T diet had the highest mean crude protein digestibility (CPD) 1 2 value of 11.30%, followed by T (10.68%), 10.02% for T , while T diet had the lowest mean 2 1 4CPD of 9.21%. Rams fed T diet had the highest mean crude fibre digestibility (CFD) value of 1 37.65%, while 35.03, 33.18 and 32.71 were recorded for T , T and T diet respectively. T was 4 2 3 4 observed to have the highest mean ash digestibility value of 17.07% with T , T and T having 3 1 2 the value of 16.02, 14.28 and 13.36 respectively. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in all parameters determined on nitrogen utilization across the dietary treatments. Rammaintained on T diet had the highest mean intake of 4.42g/d while T diet had the lowest 2 1 mean value of 2.64g/d. The lowest mean nitrogen balance (NB) of 0.43g/d was observed in rams fed T diet while rams on T diet had the highest NB value of 2.18g/d. Rams fed T diet 1 2 4 had the highest faecal nitrogen value of 2.14g/d. However, rams maintained on T diet had 4 the highest value urinary nitrogen of 1.07g/d. The nitrogen utilization fluctuatedsignificantly (P<0.05) across the dietary treatments. It can be concluded that supplementation of fresh Cajanus cajan forages at 30% inclusion with Panicum maximum at 70% for growing rams can enhance nutrient utilization in terms of crude protein digestibility and nitrogen utilization without any deleterious effects on the animals.

scholarly journals Piliostigma thonningii leaves as dry season feed supplement for West African dwarf goats

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-283
Author(s):  
F. O. Jemiseye ◽  
J. A. Akinlade ◽  
O. A. Ogunwole ◽  
B. S. Adedeji
Keyword(s):  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Feed Supplement ◽  
Mineral Contents ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goat ◽  
Piliostigma Thonningii

A persistent issue with ruminant production during the dry season in the tropics is scarcity of forages. Producers are faced with the search for alternative feed supplements to address this issue without compromising productivity. Acceptability of Piliostigma thonningii as dry season feed supplement to West African dwarf (WAD) goat was investigated in this study. The WAD goats (n=15) were divided into three treatments of five goats each in a completely randomized design. The animals were fed with Panicum maximum without supplementation at 100% (T1), 90% Panicum maximum+10% Piliostigma thonningii (T2) and 80% Panicum  maximum+20% Piliostigma thonningii (T3). Fresh water was also made available throughout the trial that lasted six weeks. Chemical analysis of the forages was observed while feed intake, weight gain and nutrient digestibility were monitored. Results showed that Piliostigma thonningii had a higher (15.25%) crude protein and lower (57.38%) neutral detergent fibre contents than the grass. Both had comparable energy values. Piliostigma thonningii had relatively high mineral contents while the anti-nutrient contents of phytate and oxalate were relatively low. Although the crude protein intake increased with increasing levels of supplementation, the total dry matter intake was not favoured beyond 10% level of Piliostigma thonningii level. It can be concluded that there was no advantage in feeding West African dwarf goat Piliostigma thonningii beyond 10% level.

scholarly journals Nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of West African dwarf sheep fed sugarcane top silage

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (2) ◽  
pp. 304-315
Author(s):  
O. O. Adelusi ◽  
V. O. A. Ojo
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Control Diet ◽  
Blood Parameters ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Sheep ◽  
Dwarf Sheep

Nutritive value of low quality crop residues is improved with addition of protein–rich byproducts (poultry litter) or chemical compounds (urea) and can serve as feed resource to ruminant during the dry season. This study investigated the nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of West African dwarf (WAD) sheep fed sugarcane top silage. Sugarcane tops were ensiled alone (control) or with 2% urea (USCT silage), 45% boiler litter (BLSCT silage) and 1% urea plus 22.5% broiler litter (UBLSCT) for 42 days. Each silage treatment contains 2% molasses. Twenty-four female West African dwarf sheep of 6-8 months of age, weighing 14.58±1.16kg were randomly assigned to the four silage treatments of six animals each in a completely randomised design for 84 days. Chemical composition of the silages was determined. Performance characteristics, apparent nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of the WAD sheep were evaluated. All data were subjected to one way Analysis of Variance. Results showed that animals fed BLSCT had significantly highest (P<0.05) total dry matter intake (64.26g/kgW ) and daily weight gain (46.03 g/day) followed by those on UBLSCT and USCT while animals fed control diet recorded the least with highest feed conversion ratio (20.62). Digestibility of all nutrients was highest (P<0.05) in sheep fed BLSCT (71.43%,71.16%, 75.66%, 64.35% and 56.82% for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, NDF and ADF digestibility respectively) and lowest (55.71%, 57.31%, 59.98%, 39.47% and 46.92% for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, NDF andADF digestibility respectively ) in those on control diet. Similarly, sheep fed BLSCT recorded significant highest (P < 0.05) packed cell volume (32.17%), haemoglobin (10.82g/dL) and red blood cell (13.43 x10 /L). The serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin and blood urea concentration were similar (P > 0.05) but higher in animals fed BLSCT (3.94 mmol/L, 71.80 g/L, 37.00 g/L, 34.80 g/L and 130.55 mg/L, respectively) USCT(3.83 mmol/L, 71.50 g/L, 35.0 g/L, 36.50 g/L and 140.65 mg/L respectively) and UBLSCT (3.75 mmol/L, 71.20 g/L, 34.50g/L, 36.70 g/L and 120.90 mg/L, respectively) compared to control. The study concluded that SCTtreated with urea or broiler litter or their combination (UBLSCT) ensiled for 42 days could be fed to ruminant during long dry season without any detrimental effect onnthe health of the animals.

scholarly journals Nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of and as supplements to Afzelia africana Newbouldia laevis Panicum maximum

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 297-306
Author(s):  
I. Ikihimioya ◽  
M. I. Okoruwa ◽  
U. I. Ikhatua
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goats ◽  
Acid Detergent Fibre ◽  
Afzelia Africana ◽  
Dwarf Goats

The study was conducted to determine nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of Afzelia africana and New bouldia laevisas supplements to Panicum maximum. Twenty female West African dwarf goats aged between 5 and 7 months old with mean live weight of 6.62±0.41kg were allotted to five dietary treatments with two replicates of two goats per treatment in a completely randomised design. The compared diets were: T (100% Panicum maximum), T (25%Afzelia africana and 75% Panicum maximum), T (50% Afzelia africana and 50% Panicum maximum), T (25% New bouldia laevis and 75% Panicum maximum) and T (50% Newbouldia laevis and 50% Panicum maximum). A metabolism trial was conducted at the end of the feeding trial to assess the diets on nutrient digestibility after the nutrient intake study of the goats. Results obtained showed that total hemicelluloses intake (62.48g.day ) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T compared with other diets. Total crude protein intake(43.45g.d) and hemicelluloses digestibility(92.20%)were higher significantly (p<0.001) and (p<0.01) respectively in T . Total lignin intake (36.22g.d )and organic matter digestibility (77.70%) were significantly better (p<0.05) and (p<0.01) respectively in T . Digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fibre (55.71% and 49.79%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) and (p<0.001) while dry matter digestibility (83.49%) was significantly better (p<0.01) in T than other treatment diets. Total dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and cellulose intakes with digestibility of crude protein, lignin and cellulose were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by treatment diets. It was concluded that the combination of Panicum maximum based diet with Newbouldia laevis in a ratio of 50:50 had the potential to enhance nutrient digestibility in goats.

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