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 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-172
Author(s):  
U. Okah ◽  
E. A Antia
Keyword(s):  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutrient Utilization ◽  
West African ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Nitrogen Intake ◽  
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 maximum, 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. Nitrogen intake (g/d) was 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 P.max. 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 (91.63) 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 0.75 0.75 nitrogen (g/d/WKg 0.75 ) could not predict urinary nitrogen (g/d/WKg 0.75 ) 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 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 ENERGY REQUIREMENTS OF YOUNG EWES FED GUINEA GRASS (PANICUM MAXIMUM) FOR MAINTENANCE AND GAIN

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-121
Author(s):  
T. A. Adegbola ◽  
A. A. Adeleye ◽  
Y. D. Yoila
Keyword(s):  
Organic Matter ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Energy Requirement ◽  
West African ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Energy Requirements ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Digestible Organic Matter ◽  
Guinea Grass

Energy requirement for maintenance and weight gain of non-lactating, non-pregnant West African Dwarf ewes were determined by using equation of the form DOMI           = aw0.75 + bG........ (1) where, DOMI = Digestible Organic matter intake (kg/day), W = Liveweight of ewe (kg), G = Liveweight gain of ewe (kg/day), a = DOMI requirement per kg of Wkg0.75,  b = DOMI requirement for each kilogram liveweight gain. The regression equation obtained was DOMI = 0.0385Wkg 0.75 + 1.54G........(2). The values of DOM required per kilogram of Wkg0.75 and for each kilogram of liveweight gain, were 0.0385 and 1.54kg respectively. In terms of Metabolizable energy (ME) equation (2) can be written as follows: ME = 523.50Wkg0.75 + 20940.92G........(3) Values of ME required per kilogram of Wkg0.75 and each kilogram of liveweight gain were 523.5 and 20940.92 KJ from equation 3. These results are comparable to those obtained for other breeds of sheep of both temperate and tropical origin.

scholarly journals Performance, rumen characteristics and blood profile of West African dwarf goats fed varying levels of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 143-151
Author(s):  
O. O. Adelusi ◽  
R. M. Akinbode ◽  
K. O. Adebayo ◽  
K. M. Stephen ◽  
A. S. Oluwasegun
Keyword(s):  
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Cell Volume ◽  
Packed Cell Volume ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
West African ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae ◽  
Blood Profile ◽  
West African Dwarf

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of inclusion of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the performance, rumen characteristics and blood profile of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Four (4) dietary treatments were prepared by adding 0 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g and 1.5 g yeast to concentrate feed. Twelve (12) WAD goats with an average live weight of 10.17±0.53 kg were allocated to the four treatment lots in a completely randomised design and used in a feeding trial that lasted 70 days. Concentrate was fed at 3% of body weight while Panicum maximum as the basal diet was ad libitum. Data were collected on nutrient intake, rumen fermentation and microbial ecology, blood profile and then analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Results showed that inclusion of yeast did not affect (P>0.05) nutrient intake, rumen fermentation of WAD goats. Bacteria and fungi population were also not affected (P>0.05) by the inclusion of yeast, however there was an increase (P<0.05) in 9 9 pr otozoa from 0.73× 10 (control) to 1.33× 10 (1.0g yeast). Packed cell volume (PCV) of goats decreased (P<0.05) when goats were fed 1.5g yeast (20.93%) compared to control (24.37%). It can be concluded that addition of yeast to the diets of WAD goats did not affect their overall performance, increased population of rumen protozoa and reduced blood packed cell volume.

scholarly journals Intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf goats fed diets containing graded levels of alkaline treated malted sorghum sprout

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 281-290
Author(s):  
A. A. Saka ◽  
R. K. Adekunjo ◽  
S. O. Odukoya ◽  
K. B. Jinadu ◽  
O. A. Awodele
Keyword(s):  
Nitrogen Balance ◽  
Nutrient Intake ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
West African ◽  
Nitrogen Utilization ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Nutrients Intake ◽  
Dietary Treatments

A twelve-week trial was conducted to determine the nutrients intake, digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed diets containing graded levels of alkaline treated malted sorghum sprout (AMSP) using Panicum maximum as the basal diet. A total number of sixteen (16) WAD goats with an average live weight; 5.8 ± 0.6 kg were allotted on weight equalization into four (4) dietary treatments consisting of four goats per treatments in a completely randomized design. Four (4) diets were formulated to contain 0, 20, 40 and 60% AMSP. Data was collected on nutrients intake, digestibility and Nitrogen utilization parameters. Significant difference (P<0.05) were observed in all the nutrient intake parameters observed except for dry matter intake. Goats fed 40% AMSP recorded the highest total ash intake (27.01%), total acid detergent fibre (11.46%) and total cellulose intake (83.13%) compared with other dietary treatments. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in all the nutrient digestibility parameters except the ether extract, ash, cellulose and hemicellulose. The highest Ash (66.16%), cellulose (82.47%) and hemicellulose (82.26%) contents were obtained in goats fed 40% AMSP. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) among the Nitrogen metabolism variables observed except total nitrogen intake and nitrogen balance. Goats fed 40% AMSP based diet recorded the highest Nitrogen retention (62.18%). It can therefore be concluded that 40% AMSP can be used as potential sources of supplements in ruminants feed most especially during dry season as it enhanced nutrient intake, digestibility and nitrogen balance.

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.

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 (WAD) bucks fed differently processed poultry droppings

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-156
Author(s):  
U. Okah ◽  
R. K. Anokwuru ◽  
V. O. Onyearu
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Relative Weight ◽  
West African ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Poultry Droppings ◽  
Biochemical Indices

A 56 day trial was carried out to evaluate the response of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed processed poultry dropping. Nine (9) West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks were assigned to three treatment groups in a completely randomized design (CRD) experiment with 3 bucks per treatment. The diets contained poultry dropping at 0% (T1), 10% sun dried poultry dropping (SDPD, T2) and 10% toasted poultry dropping (TPD, T3). The parameters evaluated included: dry matter intake (DMI), changes in body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), heart girth (HGC), body length (BLC) and height at withers, hematological and biochemical indices, and carcass characteristics of the bucks. Proximate analyses of the sun-dried poultry dropping, toasted poultry dropping, the treatment diets and the forages (Panicum maximum and Centrocema spp.) were also carried out. Concentrate dry matter intakes were 184.65g, 150.05g and 183.62g while forage dry matter intakes were 494.04g, 569.70g and 555.66g for T1, T2, and T3 respectively. Concentrate dry matter intake was similar (P>0.05) in T1 and T3 groups, but significantly (P<0.05) higher than the T2 group. The T2 group consumed significantly higher (P<0.05) forage than the T1 and T3 groups. HGC and HWC were 5.67cm, 2.33cm and 4.67cm, and 5.00cm 4.67cm and 4.00cm respectively. T1 and T3 had higher HGC than T2 group, while the T2 group recorded higher HWC than the T1 and T3 groups. The hemoglobin (Hb) values varied significantly (p<0.05) among the treatment means, and they were, 12.30, 11.30 and 12.00g/dl respectively. PCV (%) and WBC(x103/mm3 varied significantly (p<0.05) and the values were 37.00, 34.00 and 36.00 (%), and 39.00, 56.07 and 42.50(x103/mm3 respectively. Neutrophil and lymphocyte were also influenced significantly, the values were, 15.00, 10, and 31.00%, and 83.00, 86.00, and 66.00% respectively. Only serum urea was affected among the biochemical components, and the values were 0.87, 0.90 and 0.97 mg/dl respectively. Dressing percentage were 34.62%, 37.75% and 42.60% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively; the T2 and T3 groups were similar (P>0.05) but T3 was higher than T1. The values for shoulder were 10.67%, 10, 74% and 8.05%; the full gut values were 47.20% 38.56% and 28.68% for T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Liver, kidney and heart were 2.90%, 2.22% and 1.93%; 0.55, 0.47% and 0.42%, and 0.72%, 0.57% and 0.58% for T1,   T2   and T3 respectively. T1 showed significantly (P<0.05) higher relative weight values for liver and heart than the T3 group. Inclusion of processed poultry dropping up to 10% in the diets of WAD bucks did not affect their performance negatively. However simple sun drying is recommended based on the results of this study and it is also a cheaper and straight forward processing method for poultry dropping.

scholarly journals Growth performance and nitrogen utilization by West African dwarf goats fed supplemented with varying ratios of and Panicum maximum Afzelia africana Newbouldia laevis

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 307-315
Author(s):  
I. Ikhimioya ◽  
M. I. Okoruwa ◽  
U. I. Ikhatua
Keyword(s):  
Growth Performance ◽  
West African ◽  
Nitrogen Utilization ◽  
Average Weight ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goats ◽  
Nitrogen Intake ◽  
Afzelia Africana ◽  
Dwarf Goats

Afzelia africana and Newbouldia laevis have recognizable potential as important locally available forage resources but yet to be explored and exploited for ruminants in the tropics. This study was therefore investigated to determine the effect of supplementing varying ratios of Afzelia africana and Newbouldia laevis with Panicum maximum on growth performance and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf goats. Twenty female West African dwarf goats, aged between 5 and 7monhs old with an average weight of 6.62 ± 0.41kg were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments with four goats per treatment in a completely randomized design. The treatment diets included T (100% Panicum maximum), T  (25% Afzelia africana and 75% Panicum maximum), T (50% Afzelia africana and 50% Panicum maximum), T (25% Newbouldia 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 effects of the diets on nitrogen utilization after the growth study on the goats. Results obtained showed that goats on diets T were significantly (P<0.05) higher in terms of final live weight (9.95kg), metabolic weights (6.20LW ), total weight gain (3.15kg) and growth rate (35.50g.d ) at (P < 0.01) while nitrogen intake (7.86g/d ), metabolic nitrogen intake (1.76g.kg LW ), nitrogen balance (6.81g.d ) were higher (P < 0.001) than goats on other diets. Urinary nitrogen output (6.81g.d ) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in goats on T compared with goats on other diets. No significant (P> 0.05) effect in treatment diets with regards to initial and average live weights, faecal nitrogen output, and total nitrogen output with nitrogen retention. It was concluded that goats fed 50% Afzelia Africana and 50% Panicum maximum had better nitrogen utilization for growth performance.

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 Intake, performance and digestibility of West African dwarf goats supplemented with graded levels of Grewia pubescens and panicum maximum.

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 293-300
Author(s):  
O. M. Arigbede ◽  
J. A. Olanite
Keyword(s):  
Dry Matter ◽  
Nutritive Value ◽  
West African ◽  
Dry Matter Intake ◽  
Panicum Maximum ◽  
Nutrient Intakes ◽  
West African Dwarf ◽  
West African Dwarf Goats ◽  
Dry Matter Digestibility ◽  
Dwarf Goats

A trial was carried out with 16 females West African Dwarf (WAD) goats to assess their dry matter intake, digestibility and liveweight gain when fed Grewia pubescens as supplement to panicum maximum. The levels of inclusion of G, pubescens were 0, 25, and 75%. The highest nutrient intakes occur at 50% levels of supplementation being 61, 01, 54, 40, 8, 44, 26.07, 19.29, and 6.57gd 3w0.75 for DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF, and lignin respectively. These were significantly (P<0.05) higher than other levels of intake. The dry matter digestibility (DMD) coefficient Increased significantly (P<0.01) with increased inclusion levels of G, pubescens supplementation. It increased from  52.24% at 0%, which the control or supplement diet to the highest of 80.42% at 50% level of supplementation. Thereafter, the DMD decreased to 79.06% at 75% level of inclusion though the decrease was not significant (P>0.05). The digestibility  coefficient of OM and CP at 50% level of supplementation were also highest being 81.86% and 84.23%  respectively. Digestibility of other nutrient followed the same trend as for DM, OM, and CP digestibility. The liveweight gain of the animals range from 8.81g d-3 for unsupplemented to 10.95, 18.33, and 20.71g d-3 for 25, 50, and 75% level of inclusion respectively. The differences were significant(P>0.05) between 50% and 75% levels of inclusion. The nutritive value index was highest (61.33) for 50% level of inclusion and significant (P<0.05) from other levels of supplementation which, were in turn, higher (P<0.05) than that of unsupplemented animals.

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