Crude Fiber Intake Research Articles

Efficacy of Probiotics on Nutrient Intake and Egg Weight in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of lactic acid bacteria probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactococcus lactis on nutrient consumption and egg weight of Japanese quail. A total of 120 females Japanese quails comprised four treatments and six replications. T0, T1, T2, and T3 treatment groups were administered L. acidophilus and L. lactis with concentrations of 0, 1, 2, and 3 mL/liter of drinking water. Consumption data were collected weekly, and egg weight data were collected daily during treatment. The data obtained were then analyzed statistically using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and continued with the Duncan multiple range test (p < 0.05). The results of this study showed that probiotics in drinking water reported significant differences (p < 0.05) compared between treatments (T1, T2, and T3) to reduce nutrient intake of organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber and increase egg weight of quail. It can be concluded that the combination of L. acidophilus and L. lactis can reduce nutrient consumption but can increase the egg weight of Japanese quail.

Nutrient Utilization and Gut Microbiota Composition in Giant Pandas of Different Age Groups.

Proper feeding and nutrition are vital for maintaining the health of giant pandas (GPs), yet the impact of dietary changes and gut microbiota on their nutrient utilization remains unclear. To address these uncertainties, we investigated nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, as well as gut microbiota composition across different age groups of giant pandas: sub-adults (SGPs), adults (AGPs), and geriatrics (GGPs). Our findings revealed notable shifts in dietary patterns from SGPs to GGPs. As they aged, significantly more bamboo shoots and less bamboo were consumed. Consequently, GGPs showed significantly reduced crude fiber (CF) intake and digestibility, while crude protein (CP) did not alter significantly. In addition, 16S rRNA microbial sequencing results showed that unidentified_Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus were the dominant genera among all age groups. The relative abundance of the genus Enterococcus in GGPs was significantly higher than that in SGPs and AGPs (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated the importance of bamboo shoots as a major source of protein in GGPs' diet, which can effectively compensate for the certain nutritional loss caused by the reduction in bamboo intake. Age-related changes in bacterial abundance have an effect on specific nutrient apparent digestibility in the gut of GPs. The data presented in this study serve as a useful reference for nutritional management in different ages of GPs under healthy conditions.

Intake of NFE, Crude Fibre and Extract Eter of Male Kacang Goats in the Realimentation Phase after Experiencing Different Levels of Feed Restriction

This study aims to determine the intake of nitrogen free extract (NFE), crude fiber (CF), and extract eter (EE) of male Kacang goats in the realimentation phase after experiencing different levels of feed restriction. This study used the experimental method Completely Randomized Design (CRD) which consisted of 3 treatments and 5 replications that is T0 livestock without feed restrictions, T1: livestock are limited to 100% of basic life, T2: livestock are limited to 50% of basic life. Variables observed included NFE, crude fiber, and crude fat intake. The results showed that the NFE, CF and EE of male kacang goats in the realimentation phase of the 3 group were not different/ or significant (P &gt; 0.05). The intake of NFE each treatment is a T0 treatment 222,63±18,17; T1 210,12±29,79, and T2 186,72±34,89. The intake of CF (g/e/h) in treatment T0 56,32±2,47; T1 51,94±9,20; and T2 was 49,82±8,79. The intake of EE (g/e/h) in treatment T0 treatment of 10,19±1,10; T1 9,68±1,37; and T2 8,41±1,64. It can be concluded that the intake of NFE, CF and EE in the realimentation phase of livestock restricted feed 100% according to basic life and 50% below the main life is not much different from the Kacang goats which are given normal feed according to their needs.

Determinants of polycystic ovary syndrome: A matched case-control study.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a multifaceted endocrine disorder of women of reproductive age with a multifactorial aetiology. Despite much research, there is still inconclusive data on the impact of dietary, lifestyle and socio-economic factors on PCOS aetiology. Thus, the present study explored the association of PCOS with diet, eating behaviour, other lifestyle and socio-economic factors. A matched-pair case-control study was conducted on 150 women with PCOS and 150 healthy controls. Information on diet, eating behaviour and physical activity, and also anthropometric and socio-economic data were collected through standard questionnaires. The adjusted odds ratios (AmOR) were calculated and reported using conditional multivariable logistic regression. The results showed low education level (AmOR = 8.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63-43.68), high sugar consumption (AmOR = 11.61; 95% CI = 2.05-65.72) along with higher body mass index (BMI) and inactivity to be significantly associated with PCOS. Also, a significant protective effect was found for cognitive dietary restraint (AmOR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.66-0.93), crude fibre (AmOR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.45-0.82) and protein intake. Low education status may contribute to higher receptiveness to choosing unhealthy diets and lifestyles, resulting in adiposity and an increased risk of PCOS.

Nutrient Intake and Nitrogen Balance of West African Dwarf Goats Fed Raw Cashew Nut Shell Diets

A study was conducted using twenty (20) growing West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks with an average weight of 6.74 ± 0.33 kg to determine the nutrient intake and nitrogen balance. The goats were allotted to four dietary treatments with five goats replicates per treatment in a completely randomized design. The raw cashew nut shell was sun-dried and crushed to a particle size of less than 1 cm. The cashew nut shell was incorporated in the diets at the rate of 0% (diet A), 5% (diet B), 10% (diet C) and 15% (diet D) respectively. The experimental period lasted for 63days excluding 2weeks of adaptation. The chemical and mineral compositions of the diets were determined. Result showed that chemical composition were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced by the raw cashew nut shell. The crude protein ranged from 7.16 to 7.89% while the crude fiber varied from 22.45 to 24.01%. Calcium and Phosphorus content increased with increased level of raw cashew nut shell. Sodium ranged from 17.47 to 23.00% while magnesium varied from 9.34 to 12.94%. Goats fed diets A had the highest nitrogen balance (8.57 g/day) and highest percentage of nitrogen retention (86.58%) which is statistically similar to the values obtained in goats fed diet B; (8.34 g/day nitrogen balance and 84.58% percentage nitrogen retention). However, dry matter intake recorded in this study were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced by the inclusion levels of raw sundried cashew nut shell in the diet. Goats fed diets A had the highest dry matter intake (456.37 g/day) while goats fed diet D had the least (207.69 g/day). Crude protein intake and crude fiber intake increased as the levels of raw cashew nut shell increased in diets. In conclusion, feeding of raw sundried cashew nut shell at 5% could provide good quality replacement ingredient to ruminants especially during the dry season for improved performance and productivity.

Effect of feeding diets containing levels of ginger (&lt;i&gt;Zingiber officinale&lt;/i&gt;) on digestibility and nitrogen balance of red Sokoto bucks

The apparent digestibility and nitrogen balance of nutrients in isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets containing 0, 250, 500 and 750 g ginger inclusion levels was studied in a 14-day trial involving twenty (20) red Sokoto bucks (RSB) weighing on the average 17.86 kg. The treatments were replicated five times in a completely randomized design. The animals were individually fed at 4% of their body weight for both the concentrate (1.5% as supplement) and Digitaria smutsii hay (2.5% as basal diet). The trial consisted of 7-day adjustment period followed by a 7-day total collection of faeces and urine. Nutrient digestibility, faecal and urine outputs were recorded. Results indicated a similar dry matter intake across the treatments. Crude protein and crude fiber intakes were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by ginger inclusion levels with higher values recorded in the group fed 250 g. Dry matter digestibility significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased with increase in ginger levels. Nitrogen retention was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in bucks fed with 750 g ginger. It was therefore concluded that, varying inclusion levels of ginger improved nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention of RSB. RSB can be fed up to 750 g/100 kg diet ginger.

Urea molasses mineral block under various feeding systems improved nutrient digestibility, productive performance and blood biochemical profile of Yaks

BackgroundThe study aimed to investigate the effect of urea molasses mineral blocks (UMMB) on nutrient digestibility, productive performance and blood biochemical profile of indigenous yaks under various feeding systems. A total of sixteen yaks were randomly divided into four groups (n = 4 animal per group) and offered the, following feeding systems: (A) stall feeding, (B), urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) + stall feeding, (C) yard feeding and (D) UMMB + yard feeding. Trial lasted for 40 days.ResultsResults showed that nutrients intake (g) and nutrient digestibility (%) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in stall and yard feeding groups with UMMB licking. Blood zinc, cobalt, hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell (RBC), glucose and serum glutamate private transaminase (SGPT) significantly (p < 0.05) increased in stall and yard feeding with UMMB licking. Milk yield, Ca and monounsaturated fatty acid except milk composition improved significantly (p < 0.05) in stall and yard feeding groups with UMMB licking.ConclusionIt was concluded that feeding of UMMB improved utilization of low-quality roughages and best results were obtained from stall and yard feedings with UMMB licking as compared to other groups.

Intake and digestibility of two diets for nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus: Linnaeus, 1758) kept under human care.

The study aimed to evaluate metabolic parameters, nutrient intake, and absorption of two diets formulated for Dasypus novemcinctus armadillos under human care. Were studied two diets: D1-a diet with dry dog food, ground beef, and boiled chicken egg with shells; D2-a diet with the same ingredients as D1, with added banana and papaya. Both are mixed in water. The parameters analyzed were body weight (BW), weight gain (WG), maintenance energy requirement (MER), Lee index, biometrics, body condition score, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and cholesterol fractions for eight male armadillos. Dietary intake (DI) and efficiency, nutrient intake, metabolizable energy, and digestibility coefficient for the diets were evaluated in six male armadillos. The diet that included fruits showed higher BW, WG, MER, Lee index, and better glucose metabolism. Both diets promoted increases in WG and Lee Index, as well as improvements in glucose metabolism. The diet without fruit improved the lipid profile of the animals. D2 presented the highest DI, better dietary efficiency, and higher energy intake but also a lower crude fiber intake. However, it showed the best utilization of gross fiber and all other nutrients. In conclusion, the diets constituted an adequate nutritional option for captive armadillos and can be used in malnutrition and pathological processes recovery. Although both diets were adequate, the nonfruit diet was preferable due to the improved lipid profile.

Identification of gut microbes associated with feed efficiency by daily-phase feeding strategy in growing-finishing pigs.

Feed efficiency is one of the most important issues for sustainable pig production. Daily-phase feeding (DPF) is a form of precision feeding that could improve feed efficiency in pigs. Gut microbiota can regulate host nutrient digestion, absorption, and metabolism. However, which key microbes may play a vital role in improving the feed efficiency during DPF remains unclear. In the present study, we used a DPF program compared to a three-phase feeding (TPF) program in growing-finishing pigs to investigate the effects of gut microbiota on feed efficiency. A total of 204 Landrace×Yorkshire pigs (75d) were randomly assigned into 2 treatments. Each treatment was replicated 8 times with 13 to 15 pigs per replicate pen. Pigs in the TPF group were fed with a commercial feeding program that supplied fixed feed for phases I, II, and III, starting at 81, 101, and 132 d of age, respectively, and pigs in the DPF group were fed a blend of adjacent phase feed from 81 to 155 d at a gradual daily ratio and phase III feed from 155 to 180 d of age. Daily feed intake and body weight were recorded by a computerized device in the feeders. Feces and blood samples were collected from 1 pig per replicate at 155 and 180d of age. The results showed that the DPF program remarkably improved the feed efficiency at 155 d (P<0.001) and 180d of age (P<0.001), with a significant reduction of the intake of crude protein (P<0.01), net energy (P<0.001), crude fiber (P<0.001), ether extract (P<0.01), and ash (P<0.001). The daily-phase feeding program increased the abundance of Prevotella copri (P<0.05) and Paraprevotella clara (P<0.05), while it decreased the abundance of Ocilibacter (P<0.05) at 155d of age. The results of correlation analysis indicated that the differentially abundant microbiota communities were closely associated with 20 metabolites which enriched amino acid and phenylalanine metabolism. Our results suggest that 2 key microbes may contribute to feed efficiency during daily-phase feeding strategies in pigs.

PENGARUH PEMBERIAN HASIL FERMENTASI EKSTRAK BUAH LONTAR DAN FESES AYAM DALAM KONSENTRAT TERHADAP PEMANFAATAN ENERGI PADA TERNAK KAMBING (Effect of fermented palm fruits extract and chicken manure in concentrate on energy utilisation in goats)

This study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding palm fruit extrack and chicken manure on energy utilisation in goats. This study used a Latin Square Design with four treatments and four periods of data collection as replications. The four treatments were: BP (Botriochloa pertusa hay 40% + Leucaena leucocephala 30% + concentrate 30%), BPS (Botriochloa pertusa hay 40% + Leucaena leucocephala 30% + concentrate 20% + palm fruit extract 10%), BPFA (Botriochloa pertusa hay 40% +Leucaena leucocephala 30% + concentrate 20% + chicken feces 10%), BPSFA (Botriochloa pertusa hay 40% + Leucaena leucocephala 30% + concentrate 20% + palm fruit extract 5% + chicken feces 5%). The parameters measured consisted of the intake and digestibility of crude fiber, VFA concentration, and blood glucose levels. The result showed that feeding fermented of palm fruits extract at different levels in the concentrate have no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on the intake and digestation of crude fiber and the concentration of blood glucose. However, it had a significant effect (P&lt;0.01) on the total VFA concentration. In conclusion, feeding fermented concentrate containing palm fruit extract and chicken feces increases the total VFA concentration but it does not increase the intake and digestation of crude fiber and the concentation of blood glucose in male goats.

The feeding behavior of dairy cattle under tropical heat stress conditions at smallholder urban farming

Abstract. Despal, Faresty C, Zahera R, Toharmat R. 2022. Title The feeding behavior of dairy cattle under tropical heat stress conditions at smallholder urban farming. Biodiversitas 23: 3771-3777. Dairy cattle (Bos taurus) feeding behavior influences feed intake and affect animal welfare and disease management. This study observed dairy cattle feeding behaviors under tropical smallholder urban farming environments. Thirty-six cattle at the Kebon Pedes area of Bogor City were observed during 12 h feeding (6 am-6 pm). These traits included eating, ruminating, resting duration, and frequencies, measured using a continuous method. Temperature, humidity, temperature-humidity index (THI), feed and nutrient intake, milk production, and components were measured. The results showed that the cattle were in mild to severe heat stress. The average cow daily eating, ruminating, and resting frequencies were 6.61, 7.61, and 22.33 times, while the average eating, ruminating, and resting durations per cow per 12 h were 129.64, 105.67, and 484.69 minutes, respectively. The dry matter intake was 11.17 kg with a roughage to concentrate ratio of 0.73:1. The protein, ash, ether extract, and crude fiber intake were 10.25, 6.62, 3.67, and 22.08% DM, respectively. The average milk productions and fat contents were 11.01 L/head/d and 5.44%. The results showed that eating and ruminating levels correlated positively with feed, and CF intakes while resting correlated negatively. It was concluded that the cattle were in heat-stressed (THI of &gt;78) condition, reduced DM intake, and deficient in energy and CP, which led to lower milk production but higher milk components, specifically milk fat. It is recommended to improve forage quality that promotes eating and ruminating and reduces resting durations, improving milk production.

Replacing the Concentrate Feed Mixture with Moringa oleifera Leaves Silage and Chlorella vulgaris Microalgae Mixture in Diets of Damascus Goats: Lactation Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Ruminal Fermentation.

Simple SummaryMoringa oleifera and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae have a good balance of amino acids with high protein contents; however, complementary and synergic effects between proteins can improve their nutritive value compared to the individual additive. Replacing a concentrate mixture at 20% to 40% levels with a mixture of M. oleifera and microalgae improved nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation characteristics, milk production, composition and the fatty acid profile of goats. Inclusion of M. oleifera and microalgae mixture to partially replace concentrates may enhance milk production performance and milk quality without affecting animal health.Exploring suitable alternatives for high-cost concentrate feeds is a critical factor for successful livestock production. The present experiment aimed to evaluate the dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera silage and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae (at 1% of total diet, DM basis) in a quintuplicate 3 × 3 Latin square design for milk production performance, nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation in Damascus goats. Fifteen lactating Damascus goats were divided into three groups to be fed a diet composed of a concentrate mixture and rice straw at 60:40 (DM basis) in the control group and fed for 30 days in each period. The concentrate mixture in the control treatment was replaced with M. oleifera silage and C. vulgaris microalgae at 20% (MA20 treatment) or 40% (MA40 treatment). Treatments did not affect total feed intake but increased (p < 0.01) crude protein (CP) and fiber intakes while decreasing nonstructural carbohydrates intake. The digestibility of CP and acid detergent fiber increased due to silage supplementation compared to the control treatment. Treatments increased (p < 0.05) ruminal pH and the concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate; however, they decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of ammonia-N. Treatments increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of serum glucose and antioxidant capacity. Both MA20 and MA40 treatments increased the daily milk production, the concentrations of milk fat and lactose, and feed efficiency compared to the control treatment. Additionally, MA20 and MA40 treatments increased the proportions of total polyunsaturated fatty acids and total conjugated linoleic acids. It is concluded that the concentrate feed mixture in the diet of lactating goats can be replaced up to 40% (equals to 24% of total diet) with M. oleifera silage to improve feed intake and nutrient utilization, and milk production performance.

Comparative study several feed formulation based on agro-industrial by-product on production performance and in vivo digestibility of beef cattle

The aims of this study was to determine the effect of agro-industrial by-products on the production performance and digestibility of nutrient of beef cattle with four feed formulations. The treatments such as F1, F2, F3 and F4. The material used was 28 cows with an initial weight in the range of 380.11 ± 13.69 kg with Simental and Limousine crossbreeds; beef cattle faeces samples were 112 samples from 4 feed treatments and 7 replications. The variables observed were production performance of beef cattle and digistibility of nutrient. The results of the study shows that the use of agricultural by-products has a significant effect on dry matter intake (P <0.05). (10.20 ± 0.43 kg/head/day), dry matter digestibility (75.48 ± 1.46%) and no significantly effect (P>0.05) on organic matter intake, crude protein intake, crude fibre intake, increasing of daily body weight, feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, feed cost per gain, income over feed cost, digestibility of organic matter, digestibility of crude protein, and digestibility of crude fibre. The conclusion of this study was F3 had the best treatment to increase feed intake, digestibility of dry, digestibility of organic matter, digestibility of crude protein, crude fibre digestibility of beef cattle.

Nutrient Intake, Feed Digestibility, and Growth Performance of Thin-Tailed Sheep Fed Complete Feed Containing Fermented Sargassum sp.

The aim of this research was to identify the effect of feeding fermented Sargassum sp. as complete feed ingredient up to 20% of total feed on nutrient consumption and digestibility, and growth performance of thin-tailed sheep. Twelve female thin-tailed sheep aged 6 to 8 months with an average initial body weight of 14.13 ± 2.08 kg were divided into three groups. The treatments were control without fermented Sargassum sp. (S0), 10% fermented Sargassum sp. (S1), and 20% fermented Sargassum sp. (S2). Complete feed was formulated by isoprotein and isoenergy formulation, containing 16% of crude protein and 61% of total digestible nutrients. Complete feed was given at 3.5% of body weight (% dry matter) and drinking water was provided ad libitum. This research was done in 6 weeks with 14 days adaptation period and seven days of collection period. Growth performance was measured for 4 weeks after the adaptation period. The variables observed were dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and total digestible nutrients (TDN) consumption. The data obtained were subjected to one-way ANOVA (analysis of variance) and the difference existed (P value &lt;0.05) between means were analyzed with Duncan’s multiple range test. The results showed that there was no significant effect of feeding fermented Sargassum sp. on nutrient intake, and digestibility of nutrients (P&gt;0.05), however, S0 treatment appeared to have CP, CF, and EE intake, as well as digestibility of DM, CP, CF, and NFE higher than S1 and S2 treatment. The results showed that there was no significant effect of feeding fermented Sargassum sp. on nutrient intake, digested and digestibility of nutrient, absolute and relative weight gain as well as feed conversion.

NUTRIENT INTAKE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED DIETARY MODELS OF ENSILED CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FORTIFIED WITH CALCIUM-PHOSPHORUS SALT

Objective: This study was conducted to determine nutrient intake of growing West African Dwarf goats fed different dietary models of ensiled cassava peel meal fortified with Calcium-Phosphorus salt mix. Methods: Twenty (20) growing West African Dwarf female goats aged 6–8 months with an initial weight of 8.2 kg ± 0.25 were used for the study. They were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with five goats per treatment in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were Diet 1 (block), Diet 2 (crunchy), Diet 3 (pellet), and Diet 4 (mash). Results: Results obtained indicated that dry matter intake ranged from 466.18 g/d to 575.53 g/day with significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher value in pellet model while crude protein intake was higher in mash model than other treatments. Ether extract and crude fiber intake values were higher 40.13 g/day and 148.08 g/day in pellet feed model. Ash intake ranged from 61.32 g/day to 95.86 g/day. Block and crunchy models had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher value for ash intake while values obtained for nitrogen-free extract intake was also higher (p&lt;0.05) in pellet model 22.62 g/day than other models. Values of fiber fractions intake obtained were significantly (p&lt;0.05) influenced by dietary models with higher values for neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose in mash while acid detergent lignin was significantly (p&lt;0.05) for pellet model. Conclusion: It can be concluded that supplementing goat diets with different dietary models of ensiled cassava peel meal fortified with Calcium- Phosphorus salt mix can boost intake of goats for better productive performance and productivity.

The Potency of Bifidobacterium spp. as an Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters on Feed Conversion Ratio, Feed Efficiency, and Nutrient Intake in Laying Hens

This article describes a new idea about using Bifidobacteriumsp isolates as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters, based on the ability of Bifidobacteriumsp isolates, which have the potential as a probiotic in laying hens. This study aims to prove that Bifobacteriumsp could improve production performance, including feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, and nutrient intake (feed intake, crude protein intake, crude fiber intake, lipid intake, and organic matter). A total of 150 laying hens at 25 weeks of age were divided into three groups (P0: control, P1: 0.1% antibiotic growth promoters, P1: 0.05% Bifidobacterium spp. probiotic) and fed on a basal diet containing 2750 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and 18% crude protein for four weeks. The different supplementation to the basal diets showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) on feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, feed intake, crude protein intake, crude fiber intake, lipid intake, and organic matter intake among the treatments. However, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, crude protein intake, crude fiber intake, lipid intake, and organic matter intake were lowest in the group fed with 0.5% of Bifidobacterium spp. The highest feed efficiency was obtained from the groups fed with 0.5% of Bifidobacterium spp, compared with the control and supplemented antibiotics growth promoters group. 0.5% of Bifidobacterium spp. supplementation to the diet of laying hens is beneficial for increasing feed efficiency and improving feed conversion ratio. The practical and theoretical significance of the results is that Bifidobacterium spp. can be used to improve production performance in laying hens.

Growth performance, nutrient intake and digestibility of goats fed melon husk and palm oil slurry at 30% inclusion level

A 126-day study was conducted to determine growth, nutrient intake and digestibility of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed melon husk (MH) and palm oil slurry (POS) as replacement for maize offal at 30% in concentrate diets. Sixteen goats weighing 6.5 – 7.Okg were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments at 4 replicates of each. Dietary treatments included control (Diet 1): 0% MH 0% POS; Diet 2: 30% MH 0% POS; Diet 3: 0% MH 30% POS; and Diet 4: 30% MH 30% POS; supplemented with Panicum maximum (grass). Data collected were statistically analysed and results showed that animals on control Diet (Diet I) had the highest (P&lt;0.05) average daily weight gain of 31.57g/day, and a corresponding highest (P&lt;0.05) feed intake of 365. 97g/day and best feed conversion ratio of 11.59. Animals fed Diet 3 had lowest (P&lt;0.05) average daily weight gain of 19.42g/day, with corresponding lowest (P&lt;0.05) dy matter intake of 334.94g/day and poor feed conversion ratio of 17.24, respectively. Variations in dry matter, organic matter and crude fibre (CF) intake were significant (P&lt;0.05). Crude protein (CP) intake decreased progressively from diet 1 to 4, but not significantly (P &gt;0.05). CF intake was highest in diet 4 (124.6g) and lowest in diet 1(64.72g). Ether extract (52.80g), Ash (21.48g), Neutral detergent fibre (222.88g), and lignin (60.64g) were highest in diet 4. Dry matter digestibility was highest in animals on diet 2 (86.31%) and lowest in those on diet 4 (72.28%). It was evident that goats could be fed MH and POS at the inclusion levels adopted in this study except at 30% POS inclusion level at which growth was poorest.&#x0D;

Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Indices of Rabbits fed Varying Levels of Sugarcane Rind Meal

The potential of sugarcane peels as a substitute for maize offal in rabbit diets and its effect on growth, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics were studied. Twenty five growing rabbits of mixed breeds and average body weight of 894±26.14g were used in a 7-week feeding trial. Five experimental diets were formulated in which sugarcane rind (SCR) was included at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% level to replace maize offal (weight for weight). The rabbits were balanced for weight and allotted to the treatments (n=5 rabbits/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Results obtained indicated that dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, hemicellulose, acid and neutral detergent fibre intake and digestibility decreased with increasing level of sugarcane rind inclusion. Crude fibre intake (5.59-8.67 g/day) and digestibility (20.60-40.80%) however increased (P&lt;0.05) as level of sugarcane rind increased in the diet. The 30% inclusion of sugarcane rind gave body weight gain (5.35 g/d) comparable to the control (6.41 g/d), 10 (7.78 g/d) and 20% (7.12 g/d) inclusion of sugarcane peels. Feed intake (44.61-40.59 g/d) decreased as the level of sugarcane rind increased in the diets. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of sugarcane rind on metabolic body weight and feed efficiency. Inclusion of sugarcane rind at 30% level increased (P&lt;0.05) thigh and head percentage but without any adverse effect on chest, loin, shoulder and skin. Based on the results, it is concluded that sugarcane rind is a good fibre source that can be used to replace maize offal up to 30% in rabbit diets.

Effect of graded levels of toasted bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranea L) waste on performance of growing rabbits

The effects of different dietary levels of toasted bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subterranea L) waste on the performance of growing rabbits was studied. Twenty-four, 6-7 weeks old cross bred (Chinchilla x New Zealand whitel rabbits with average initial weight of 9629 were used for the feeding trial which lasted for 8 weeks. The rabbits were randomly divided into four treatment groups of 6 rabbits each and fed diets containing 0% (control), 10, 20 and 30% toasted bambara groundnut waste (TBGW) using a completely randomized design (CRD). Dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and nitrogen-free extract intake and digestibility, weight gain and economics of TBGW inclusion were determined. Proximate composition of the diets, faeces, raw and toasted samples were also determined. The raw and toasted bambara groundnut waste had 91 and 93% dry matter, 17.0 and 16.27% crude protein, 26 und 24% crude fibre, 5 and 3. 5% ether extract, 2.5 and 4.0% ash, 40.5 and 45.23% nitrogen-free extract, and 4.13 and 3.88 kcal/g energy respectively. Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) existed between treatments in feed intake, weight gain, final body weight, and digestibility of dry matter. crude protein, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract. Feed intake, weight gain, final body weight, and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen-free extract were similar for the control and 30% TBGW diets, and these were significantly (P&lt;0.05) lower than that for 10% TBGW diet. The feed cost AN/kg gain) was similar for 10, 20 and 30% TBGW diets. The result showed that up to 30% toasted bambara groundnut waste can be included in the diets of growing rabbits without any adverse effect on performance.

Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Indices of Rabbits fed Varying Levels of Sugarcane Rind Meal

The potential of sugarcane peels as a substitute for maize offal in rabbit diets and its effect on growth, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics were studied. Twenty five growing rabbits of mixed breeds and average body weight of 894±26.14g were used in a 7-week feeding trial. Five experimental diets were formulated in which sugarcane rind (SCR) was included at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% level to replace maize offal (weight for weight). The rabbits were balanced for weight and allotted to the treatments (n=5rabbits/treatment) in a completely randomized design. Results obtained indicated that dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, hemicellulose, acid and neutral detergent fibre intake and digestibility decreased with increasing level of sugarcane rind inclusion. Crude fibre intake (5.59-8.67 g/day) and digestibility (20.60-40.80%) however increased (P&lt;0.05) as level of sugarcane rind increased in the diet. The 30% inclusion of sugarcane rind gave body weight gain (5.35 g/d) comparable to the control (6.41 g/d), 10 (7.78 g/d) and 20% (7.12 g/d) inclusion of sugarcane peels. Feed intake (44.61-40.59 g/d) decreased as the level of sugarcane rind increased in the diets. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect of sugarcane rind on metabolic body weight and feed efficiency. Inclusion of sugarcane rind at 30% level increased (P&lt;0.05) thigh and head percentage but without any adverse effect on chest, loin, shoulder and skin. Based on the results, it is concluded that sugarcane rind is a good fibre source that can be used to replace maize offal up to 30% in rabbit diets