West African dwarf goats utilized bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) meal as feed supplement

Abstract

This studywas carried out to determine the utilization and the optimumlevel of offer of bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) meal (BLM) by West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. In a 20-week trial, twenty four WAD goats of both sexes, 5-7 months old, were randomly allotted to four treatments of graded levels of BLM(0% BLM(Control diet), 15% BLM, 30% BLMand 45% BLMdiets) in a completely randomized design to determine the utilization of bitter leafmeal as feed for goats. The dietswere used as supplements to a basal ration of Panicummaximum. Two digestibility trials were carried out. The digestible ether extract intake and digestible organic matter of goats on 0% BLM were significantly (P<0.05) higher than the values obtained for goats on bitter leaf meal diets. The average daily weight gain (g/day) for goats on 0% BML was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of others. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the percentage mortality of the goats fed experimental diets. The percentagemortality of goats on 30% and 45%BLMwere significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of others. It is concluded that bitter leafmeal can be included in the diets of (WAD) goats up to15%without any deleterious effect.