Performance of West African Dwarf Growing Bucks Fed Varying Levels of Gliricidia Sepium Leaf Meal Supplement in Pelleted Diets

Abstract

Insufficient resources and subpar pasture quality during the dry season necessitate a proven supplement to enhance the nutritional status of goats. In this study, Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (G-supplement) derived from a leguminous deciduous protein tree was proportionally incorporated into pelleted cassava peel-based diets (concentrate). The study aimed to assess the impact of this supplement addition to the concentrate on the growth performance of West African dwarf (WAD) goat bucks. Twenty bucks were assigned to four groups in a completely randomized design, with varying levels of G-supplement in pelleted concentrate (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Each group comprised five animals. The inclusion of the supplement significantly influenced (p<0.05) diet consumption and utilization. Bucks fed with 10% G-supplement exhibited the highest feed intake (24,248g), weight gain (2650g), and a feed conversion efficiency of 9.15%. Parameters such as total feed intake, daily feed intake, final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily weight gain were significantly affected (p<0.05) by the diet. The animals on the 10% G-inclusion diet demonstrated higher (p>0.05) nutrient digestibility compared to other treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that incorporating 10% G-supplement in pelleted concentrate enhances the performance of WAD goats in terms of feed intake, live body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility. The efficacy of the G-supplement at the 10% inclusion level notably contributed to improved performance