Abstract
The experiment was carried out to determine the effect of urea-fortified concentrate corncob diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Fifteen WAD goats with an average weight of 9.33 kg were studied. The animals were weighted and randomly assigned to five (5) treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were of different levels i.e. 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% of urea in corncob-based concentrate diets. Results showed variation (P<0.05) in the live weight among all the treatments while no effect was observed in average daily weight gain, average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio, carcass and non-carcass characteristics among the treatment groups. However, the physicochemical properties of the meat showed that meat water holding capacity, moisture, dry matter, crude fibre and ash were not influenced by urea but there was a significant (P<0.05) difference in meat pH and meat crude protein among the treated groups. In conclusion, for better performance in the live weight gain of WAD goats, 3% best level inclusion of urea fortified corncob diet should be taken into cognizance. Keywords: Carcass characteristics; Corncob; Urea; West African Dwarf Goats; Nigeria.
Highlights
In the developing countries, small ruminants play an important role in the livelihood of small scale farmers as a major component of livestock mixed farming system
This paper presents, the results of a study designed to assess the performance and carcass characteristics of dwarf goats fed ureafortified concentrate corncob diets
Growth Performance The results on growth performance are presented in table 2
Summary
Small ruminants play an important role in the livelihood of small scale farmers as a major component of livestock mixed farming system. Recent trends in animal nutrition in Nigeria based on the principle of minimum input indicate focus of attention on the utilization of non-conventional sources of feed such as agricultural by products for ruminant feeding (Fasae et al, 2007). This will reduce the cost of animal production without decrease in productivity (Odeyinka, 2001). Crop residues are the most abundant and readily available feed resources for livestock production (Belete, 2006).
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