Growth performance and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed selected forages in Akwa Ibom State

Abstract

The potential of selected forages was evaluated using West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Six forages namely, Andropogon tectorum, Panicum maximum, Aspilia Africana, Gmelina arborea, Alchornea cordifolia and Bambusa vulgaris designated as T1 to T6, respectively were the only feed source used for the study. Thirty West African Dwarf goats aged 8 to 9 months, with an average bodyweight of 9.17 to 10.10 kg were used for the study. The goats were assigned to six treatment groups based on the forages used in a completely randomized design. The results obtained showed significant (p<0.05) differences for average total weight gain and feed dry matter intake. Animals on Aspilia africana (T3) recorded the highest (1120.18 g/day) feed dry matter intake whereas Panicum maximum (T1) had the lowest 890.30 g/day. Andropogon tectorum (T1) and Gmelina arborea (T4) recorded 410.0 g each for average total weight gain. Initial haematology and serum indices had no significant (p>0.05) differences in the parameters tested. However, the PCV values were reduced in the final haematological profile. Similarly, carcass characteristics had no (p>0.05) significant differences among the treatment means. Animal on Andropogon tectorum (T1) gave the best (50.29%) dressing percentage with the least (40.47%) in Panicum maximum (T2). It can be concluded that performance of West African Dwarf goats can be better if the forages are offered in combination at equal amounts.