Milk Yield, Composition and Growth of Kids of West African Dwarf Does Fed Enterolobium Cyclocarpum Leaves

Abstract

The aim of this experiment was to determine the milk yield, composition and the growth performance of kids of West African dwarf (WAD) does fed varying levels of Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC) leaves. Twelve lactating goats at their first parity were used in a completely randomized design. The does were divided into 4 groups and fed diets containing 0 %. 07.50 %, 15.00 % and 22.50 % Enterolobium cyclocarpum leaves in a concentrate diet respectively. The experiment commenced at the fourth month of pregnancy till the 56th day post-partum. Milk yield was significantly (p<0.05) highest (196.10 g) for does fed Diet 2 with 07.50 % EC leaves. Milk yield for does fed other diets followed this order: 184.35 g (Diet 1) > 104.13 g (Diet 3) > 101.79 g (Diet 4). Milk protein composition ranged from 3.34 – 5.97 % and was significantly (p<0.05) highest (5.97 %) in the milk of does fed Diet 3 (15.00 % EC leaves). Milk magnesium concentration ranged from 18.87 mg/100g (Diet 1) to 24.00 mg/100g (Diet 2) while sodium ranged from 11.88 mg/100g (control) to 20.06 mg/100g (Diet 2). The concentrations of magnesium (24.00 mg/100g) and sodium (20.06 mg/100g) were thus significantly (p<0.05) highest in the milk of does fed Diet 2 (07.50% EC leaves). Diet 2 also supported maximal growth weight (4,858.50 g) of kids at the 9th week. Thus WAD does should be fed 07.50% Enterolobium cyclocarpum leaves for maximal milk yield and kids growth.