Studies on comparative utilization of activated sewage sludge, poultry droppings and groundnut cake in cassava-based rations by goats

Abstract

Twenty-four West African dwarf goats, about 1 year old, were used to study the effect on performance and nutrient digestibility of replacing groundnut cake (A) with activated sewage sludge (ASS) (B) or poultry droppings (C) in cassava-based rations fed as supplements to grass ( Cynodon nlemfuensis). The feeding lasted for 60 days. About 64% of the ad lib dry matter intake was from the concentrate supplement. Mean growth rates (g/day) for goats fed on treatments A, B, C were 59·2 ± 8·4, 53·5 ± 3·1 and 50·9 ± 2·2 respectively. The differences observed were not significant. Values of dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre digestibility suggested that ASS and poultry droppings could successfully replace the conventional groundnut cake as sources of protein in goat diets.