West African Dwarf Goats Research Articles

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<0.05) average daily weight gain of 31.57g/day, and a corresponding highest (P<0.05) feed intake of 365. 97g/day and best feed conversion ratio of 11.59. Animals fed Diet 3 had lowest (P<0.05) average daily weight gain of 19.42g/day, with corresponding lowest (P<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<0.05). Crude protein (CP) intake decreased progressively from diet 1 to 4, but not significantly (P >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.

A preliminary study on nutrient digestibility by West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of shea nut (Vitellaria paradoxa) cake-based rations

Feed shortage which rises from seasonal feed deficits, erratic supply of feed ingredients with competition between humans and livestock for available feed resources, possesses a major constraint to goat production in Nigeria. This has led to low level of livestock productivity. In this regards, there is need to search for alternative but cheaper feedstuffs. Shea nut cake (SNC), an agro industrial waste product could be used as one of the economic strategy to ameliorate feed shortage. The current study was focused on the effect of dietary inclusion of Shea nut cake on nutrients digestibility of West African Dwarf goals using six (6) growing males WAD goats. Diets consist of 0%, 10% and 15% shea nut cake inclusion levels in combination with wheat offal, corn bran, cassava peel, cowpea husk, and the dietary treatments were designated as T1, T2, and 73 respectively. The experimental animals were allotted to three treatments in a completely randomized design with two animals per treatment. The animals were transferred into a wooden metabolic cage fitted with facilities to collect faeces which lasted for 14 days. Crude protein, ether extract, ash and neutral detergent fibre concentrations of the experimental diets were 9.18-11.37%, 2.03-2.79, 9.63-12.11% and 30.69-48.51% respectively. The result obtained for average daily weight gain was higher (p<0.05) for T2 (64.29g) compared to T1 (35.72g) and T3 (35.72g) which were similar. The feed conversion ratio showed no significant (p<0.05) effect among T1 (14.32) and T3 (14.07) while T2 (8.00) is significantly higher. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed among treatment groups for nutrients digestibility. The goats placed under T2 (10%) recorded the highest digestibility coefficient for all the nutrients. However the crude protein, ether extract, ash and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities were between 45.76-74.26%, 57.19-67.73%, 56.09-76.66% and 55.28-78.28% respectively. It was however observed that T2 (10%) SNC inclusion had the highest digestibility coefficient in all the nutrients by West African dwarf goats.

Nutrient intake and digestibility of selected browse plants fed in combination with Panicum maximum to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks

A study was conducted to evaluate nutrient intake and digestibility of Panicum maximum fed in combination with selected browse plants to West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. Four intact West African dwarf (WAD) bucks of mean body weight 17.50kg were used to conduct digestibility study in a 4 x 4 Latin Square design experiment. Four forage combinations, diets A, B, C and D were fed to the goats. Diet A, the control, was 100% Panicum maximuni, while diets B, C and D contained 60% Panicum maximum each plus 40% of Alchornea cordifolia, Manniophyton fulvum and Gmelina arborea, respectively. The study lasted 56 days in a 14 day x 4 change over periods. Data were collected on dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake and digestibility. Simple linear regression and correlation were used to assess the degree of relationship between some of the digestion components. The result of proximate analysis indicated that the diets (P. max + browse) B, C and D had significantly (p<0.05) higher dry matter (%DM) contents of 81.12, 81.09 and 80.68%, respectively, than the 75.71% for diet A (sole P.max). Crude protein content of 17.56, 15.62 and 17.52%, respectively were also higher (p<0.05) than the 8.38%for diet A. There was higher (p<0.05) ether extract content of 2.43, 2.38 and 2.32%, for diets B, C, and D, respectively than the 1.32% for diet A. The ash content of 10.71, 9.78 and 9.76% for diets B, C and D respectively, were also higher (p<0.05) than the 7.83% for diets A. Metabolizable energy (MJKg-1) values of 1.41, 1.42 and 1.42 for diets B, C and D were also higher (p<0.05) than the 1.31 for diet A. However, the crude fibre value of the diet A (27.26%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the 18.30, 19.30 and 18.58% for diets B, C and D. respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in DMI among treatment means. Vitro significantly (p<0.05) higher for animals fed diets B(15.04). C(13.12 ) and D(14.48 ) wherein P.max was fed in combination with browse plants than in the diet A( 6.28) group fed sole Pmax. Faecal nitrogen showed no significant (p>0.05) difference among treatment means. Urinary nitrogen was significantly (p<0.05) higher in diet A group (0.39) than in diets B (0.30), C (0.34) and D (0.43) groups. There was positive nitrogen balance for all in the treatment groups. Apparent nitrogen digestibility (%) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in diets B (92.37). C (90.51) and D (97.63) groups than in diet A (79.49). Nitrogen intake (g/d) could not reliably predict faecal nitrogen (g/kgDM) in diets C and D groups. Absorbed nitrogen (g/d/WKg0.75) could not predict urinary nitrogen (g/d/WKg0.75) in any of the diets. Biological value (BV) of the diets were A (55), B (45), C (81) and D (97). The result of this study shows that the animals fed P. max + browse recorded higher DMI, nutrient intake and digestibility than the sole P.max diet. These evaluation indices were, however, mostly better in the diet B group (60% P.maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia). The combination of 60% P. maximum + 40% Alchornea cordifolia is therefore recommended for West African dwarf (WAD) goats reared in the humid tropics of Nigeria for optimum intake and improved nutrient utilization.

Reproductive performance of intensively managed primiparous gravid West African Dwarf goats fed pulverized bio-fibre waste-based diets

The feed intake and reproductive performance of intensively managed West African dwarf (WAD) gravid does were investigated. Twelve does weighing 11.90-13.05kg were used for the study. The does were fed on pulverized maize-cob based diets; maize-cob/cassava peel (PMC/CSP), maize-cob/brewers' grain (PMC/BG), and maize-cob/cassava peel/brewers' grain (PMC/CsP/BG). The does were allotted to the three dietary treatments such that four individually housed animals, each serving as a replicate and were also fed with concentrate diet at 1% of their body weight. Oestrus was synchronized in the does using 1mL/10kg of Prostaglandin –Fα intramuscularly. Animals were mated with a proven buck. Dams were evaluated in a pregnancy trial while the kids born were evaluated in a pre-weaning growth trial. Dams were weighed at mating and fortnightly until kidding. Variables investigated were; feed intake, dam weight at mating, prior and after parturition, gestation length, weight gained during pregnancy, kid's birth and weaning weights, kid's daily weight gain, sex ratio. Feed intake revealed that does fed PMC/CsP recorded the highest total dry matter intake (TDMI) throughout the three trimesters (727.16, 832.85 and 637.08g/day) when compared to 339.38, 452.18 and 401.03g/day obtained for does fed PMC/BG. Weight gained was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does on PMC/CsP. Mean birth weight, weaning weight and daily weight gain were higher for kids whose dams were fed PMC/CSP/BG. It can therefore be concluded that diets used in this study may serve as alternative feed for gravid goats while goats fed PMC/CsP/BG had better reproductive performance.

Growth performance, nutrient intake, digestibility and carcass characteristics of goats fed melon Husk (Colocynthis citrillus) and palm oil slurry (Elaeis guineensis) at 50% inclusion level

Diets containing melon husk (MH) and palm oil slurry (POS) were fed as alternative feed stuffs to sixteen West African Dwarf (WAD) goats whose weight ranged between 9-10kg The WAD goats were assigned to 4 dietary treatments of 4 replicates each, and fed diets containing 0% MH 0% POS(Control diet, Diet 1), 50% MH 0% POS (Diet 2), 0% MH 50% POS (Diet 3), and 50% MH 50% POS (Diet 4), respectively for 8 weeks as finishing diets, Parameters such as nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance were measured. Results showed average daily weight gains of 27.83, 26.33 and 22.83g/day by goats on diets 1, 4 and 2 respectively, which differed significantly (P<0.05) and corresponded with dry matter intake of 358.59, 359.39 and 357.29g/day, respectively. Although, animals fed Diet 3 had Dry matter intake of 359.39g/day, they had poor average daily weight gain of 17.17g/day and significantly (P<0.05) poor feed conversion ratio of 16.90, dressing percentage of 51.62% and live weight of 10.67kg. Goats on diets 1, 2 and 4 had dressing percentages of 55.43, 54.01 and 54.66% and corresponding live weights of 11.17, 10.83 and 10.93kg, respectively Goats on diet 4 significantly (p<0.05) greater offal weights than goats on other diets. It was evident that all the Diets had positive effect on growth performance except 50% POS. However, all the diets gave good dressing percentage and offal weights were equally influenced by diets.

Milk yield and rectal temperature in West African Dwarf goats as affected by wattle and litter size

This study was conducted to investigate milk yield and rectal temperature in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats as affected by wattle and litter size. A total of 28 lactating does were used for the experiment. 13 does had wattle (bilateral) while 15 had no wattle. 14 does had twin birth while the other 14 had single birth. The goats were fed at 5% body weight with combination of concentrate and grass (Panicum maximum and Pennisetum purpureum) in ratio 50:50 twice per day in the morning and evening (zero grazing). The lactating does were hand milked once per day (08.00) and thrice per week for the period of 12 weeks. The goats were housed in cross ventilated pens with slatted floor. Rectal temperature was taken after milking of each animals using digital thermometer. Data collected were analysed using SAS (2010) in a randomized complete block design. The results showed that wattle and litter size had significant effect on milk yield and rectal temperature in WAD goats. Wattled animals produce significantly (P<0.05) higher milk yield of 297.72 g/day compared to their non wattled counterparts (255.11 g/day). Animals with wattle however had higher rectal temperature of 39.35°C compared to animals without wattle (39.23°C). Also twin littered does produced daily milk milk yield of 292.74 g/day significantly (P<0.05) higher than single littered counterparts (257.04 g/day). The interaction between wattle and litter size showed that there was no significant difference in daily milk yield in wattled animals regardless of the litter size. However, in non-wattle animals, does with twin birth produced daily milk yield of 283 g/day significantly (P<0.05) higher than 235 g/day for does with single birth. Also, wattled does with single birth had significantly (P<0.05) higher rectal temperature of 39.43°C when compared with wattled does with twin birth. However, in non wattle animals, does with single birth had significantly lower rectal temperature of 39.18°C as compared with does with twin birth (39.29°C). It was concluded that WAD goats with wattle and twin birth produces more milk than those without wattle and single birth. Therefore, WAD goats with wattle should be selected for lactation purpose especially those with twin birth.

Live weight changes during lactation and its relationship with milk off-take and yield in West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto goats intensively managed within the humid zone of Nigeria

This study focused on changes in doe live weight during lactation in West African dwarf (WAD) and Red Sokoto (RS) goats intensively managed within the humid zone of South-western Nigeria. The data analysed was based on 202 weekly records. from 17 lactations of 8 WAD and 9 RS goats from year 2000-2002. Mean live weight for RS does (21.16+0.34 kg) was higher (P<0.001) than the estimate (18.15+0.34 kg) for WAD does. Live weight decreased (P>0.05) from parturition up to fourth week and increased (P> 0.05) thereafter till the 12th week of lactation. There was no significant interaction between breed and week of lactation. Cumulative mean weight changes of 0.16+4119 kg for WAD and 0.38+0.22 kg for RS were not significantly different, Does had higher (P<0.001) body weights during the late- wet and early-dry seasons than during late-thy and early-wet seasons.. Live weight increased .significantly (P<0.001) with parity of doe, the trend being maintained with regards to cumulative weight change. Does that suckled male kids were less superior in body weights. This was reflected by a negative cumulative weight change. Live weight was positively con-elated with milk yield (rp = 0.24; P<0.05,4 estimated at 270.61+13.48 ml and 281.98+ 13. 17 ml respectively for RS and WAD goats (P>0.05). Corresponding values for milk off-take were (.14.09+3.64 and 16,45+3.56 ml; P>0.05), Milk off-take was lowly correlated with live weight (rp= 0_06; P>0.05) while its relationship with milk yield was positive and significant (rp= 0.40: P<0.001).

Changes in blood and physio-clinical indices of West African Dwarf goat during road transport

The study was carried out to determine the effect of road transportation on some blood and physioclinical indices in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Nineteen (19) WAD goats aged between 6 and 8 months weighing between 4.16Kg and 5.90Kg were transported in a wagon for 3 hours 18 minutes. Collection of data on rectal temperature (RT) and heart rate (HR), and blood sampling were carried out just before loading the animals into the wagon and repeated immediately on arrival at the destination. The blood samples were analyzed for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentration (HB), red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil (NEU), lymphocyte (LYM), eosinophil (EOS), corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) concentrations were also determined. Except the reduced (P<0.05) haemoglobin (Hb) after transportation, the results showed that haematological parameters and pulse rate were comparable before departure and on arrival(P>0.05). Rectal temperature was however slightly higher(P<0.05) on arrival compared to departure in mixed sex and male goats. Serum AST, ALT and ALP were higher (P<0.05) before transportation compared to the values obtained on arrival. The findings showed no remarkable influence of transport by road on the haematological parameters and pulse rate of WAD goats except reduced HB, serum AST, ALT and ALP and increasedrectal temperature observed after transportation.

Water And Feed Utilization Relationship In West African Dwarf (Forest) Goats Of Southern Nigeria

Eight bucks weighing between 12 and 15kg liveweight and age range of 9 -12 months were used in a 42-day feeding and metabolism trials to study the water intake and feed utilization relationship in the West African Dwarf (forest) goats of Southern Nigeria. There was no significant difference in the average water intake between the groups but feed intake was significantly different between the groups (P<0.05). Feed efficiency was very similar between the groups; Dry Matter (DM) intake to water intake ratios were 0.21 and 0.27 respectively while mean daily liveweight gains were significantly different. Nitrogen utilization showed significantly higher nitrogen intake and nitrogen loss between the groups but nitrogen retained as percent of nitrogen intake was however not different between the groups. Results from the study established a positive correlation between water intake and feed intake in the experimental goats with correlation (r) values of 0.47 and 0.53 for the two groups respectively.

Availability of cassava residues and by-products for goat production in cassava based farming system

A study was carried out to investigate into the availability of cassava residues and by products and the utilization of the residues for goat production in Odeda local government area of Ogun state. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire coupled with occasional farm visits and personal interviews, from the farmers involved in the production of goats and cassava. Results showed that cassava is a major crop in the area and the cultivation of different cassava varieties is common. Cassava leaves, peels and sieviate were the common residues and by-products available and most farmers used these residues to feed their goats. The response of goats to cassava residues based diets was investigated using sixteen (16) West African dwarf goats, aged 4 to 6 months with average body weight of 6.5kg in a completely randomized design. The four treatments used namely (diets A to D) contained varying levels of cassava leaves, peels and sieviate and were repli performance increased (P < 0.05) with increasing level of cassava leaves in the diets. Weight gain of goats ranged from 30.02 to 37.85g/day across the dietary treatments. In conclusion, cassava residues are readily available in the study area and the response of goats fed diet C consisting 50% cassava leaves, 30% cassava peels and 20% cassava sieviate produced the best performance in terms of feed intake, digestibility and weight gain. This can therefore be recommended as best combination strategy in making use of cassava residues in goat feeding in Nigeria. 

Nutritional evaluation of varying proportions of Gliricidia sepium and Ficus thonningii leaves in the diet of young West African dwarf goats.

Sixteen (16) male of West African dwarf goats, aged 6 to 8 months and weighing 4.85 to 6.80kg were used in protein utilization study to monitor performance. The animals were randomly divided into four groups. Each group was fed foliages of Gliricidia sepium and Ficus thonningii mixed in varying proportions such that 0% (diet 1), 25% (diet 2), 50% (diet 3) and 75% (diet 4) of Gliricidia were replaced with Ficus. The feeding lasted 70 days during which dry matter intake, DM1, and changes in body weight were monitored. At the beginning of the last 10days of the trial animals were trans­ferred to individual metabolic cages for daily collection of faeces and urine for 7 days after the 3 days set aside for adjustment to the cages. Results showed that the mean DM1 was 185.15g day', which amounted to about 2.9% of body weight while digestibility coefficient was 65%. The daily weight gains observed for animals on diets containing 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of Gliricidia replaced with Ficus leaves were 34.30, 34.29, 37.10 and 36.79g day' respectively. The metabolic faecal nitrogen, MFN, and endogenous urinary nitrogen, ELTN, values were 9.42g kg' DM and 0.85g day­'Kg BW0.745 respectively. Regression model that described the relationship between nitrogen, N, balance and corresponding absorbed N values indicated that the combination of Gliricidia and Ficus leaves could furnish nutrient (3.68g day' kg' BW0..75 digestible crude protein, DCP) which might support young WAD goat requirement for maintenance. Data obtained suggested that all the three combinations of diets could be fed to goats but the inclusion of Gliricidiaand Ficus at equal level of 50%p produced highest weight gain (37.10g day-1) and supported better performance

Digestion and utilization of citrus by-products by two breeds of West African goats

TWELVE young goats, consisting of 6 West African Dwarf (Fouta Djallon), (10.19 to 15.45 kg).and 6 Red Sokoto (Maradi), (9.09 to 14.09 kg), were used throughout the experiment (3 trials). The 12 goats were maintained on basal forage (Cynodon nlemfuensis) in Trial 1 but in Trial 2, they were divided into two groups with two animals per sub-group. Animals in a sub-group were maintained on basal forage plus 25, 50 or 75 % fresh citrus pulp. In Trial 3, six West African Dwarfs were maintained on similar levels as in Trial 2 but using dried citrus pulp. The results showed that protein content of citrus pulp was low (6%) with high crude fibre value of 15% high moisture content (84%), and high nitrogen-free extractive (NFE) value (57%). Dry matter (DM) intakes of basal forage ration were higher than those of mixtures of basal forage and fresh citrus pulp (P < 0.01) due probably to high moisture content of the pulp, because the DM intakes of dried pulp mixtures were higher than those of basal rations (P < 0.01). The rations with 50% fresh or dried pulp was consumed more than the other mixture. Fresh pulp significantly depressed nutrient digestibilities at all levels of supplementation relative to basal forage (P < 0.05), while those of dried samples were about the same with the values for the basal ration. Red Sokoto and West African dwarf goats retained 39.29 and 41.34g/N/100g/N consumed respectively when fed on forage only, but 11.43 and 17.03, 14 11 and -14.22, -2.48 and 15.23g N/100g N consumed respectively when fed on grass/fresh citrus mixtures. The corresponding N retention for West African dwarf goats were 38.51, 31.86 and 40.01g N/100g N when fed the forage dried citrus mixtures. The digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) intakes for these animals were optimal at the 25 and 50% citrus supplementation. There was highly significant correlation between ME intake and liveweight changes throughout the experiment (P <0.01]). Animals fed on forage fresh pulp mixtures lost weights (-0.59 <0.01 kg/ animal/week) in Trial 2, while those on forage-dried citrus mixtures gained weights (0.05 <03 kg/ animal/week) in Trial 3.

Performance of West African dwarf goats fed Panicum maximum and concentrate diets supplemented with Lablab (Lablab purpureus), Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) foliage.

Performance of Sixteen West African dwarf (WAD) goats were evaluated by feeding varying proportions of Lablab purpureus (LP) and Panicum maximum (PM) based diets. The study lasted for 105 days during which Leucaena leucocephala (LL) with Panicum maximum (PM) were fed at ratio 25:75 (T), Gliricidia sepium (GS) and PM at ratio 25:75 (T) and Lablab purpureus (LP) with PM were fed at ratio 25:75 (T) and 50:50 (T)) respectively. Concentrate (13 % CP) was given to the animals at 1 % body weight. The animals were arranged in a completely randomized design. Parameters such as feed intake, growth rate, digestibility and nitrogen balance were monitored. The DM intake (g/kgW0.75/day) was not significant among the treatment means. Animals placed on 50 % lablab had better dry matter than goats in other treatments. Treatment 3 and 4 had highest values 115.71 and 121.87 respectively than the control, Treatment, The crude protein intake (g/ kgW0.75/day) was highest in treatment 4 (23.97) and lowest in treatment 3 (20.57). The liveweight gain (g/day) was highest in animals fed with leucaena and those on 50% lablab. The digestibility of DM, CP, ADF, ADL and NDF were generally higher than the control and best in the 50 % lablab supplementation. The N balance (g/kgW0.75/day) and retention were also highest in 50% lablab and lowest in 25 % Gliricidia supplemented diet. Result indicated that feeding lablab at 50 % supplementation with Panicum marimum-diets could lead to improve feed intake, weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen utilization in WAD

Estimates Of Genetic Parameters For Economic Traits In West African Dwarf Goat

Records of 848 West African Dwarf goat kids and 220 kiddings over a period of eight years (1982-1989) were analysed. The records were used to provide heritability and repeatability estimates for litter size at birth, kidding interval (repeatability estimate alone) and body weight at birth, weaning, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year of age. Heritability estimates of 0.28±0.005, 0.18±0.003, 0.14±0.003, 0.29±0.005, 0.11±0.003 and 0.17±0.004 were obtained for litter size at birth, body weight at birth, and at weaning, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months of age respectively. Corresponding repeatability estimates were slightly higher than the heritability estimates. However, repeatability estimates of 0.04±0.030 was obtained for kidding interval.

PERFORMANCE OF PRE-WEANED WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED SOYABEAN DIET AS REPLACER FOR MILK

Thirty-five early weaned west African dwarf (WAD) goats kids weighing 1-1.5kg at birth were used to evaluate the performance of pre-weaned kids fed soyabean diet (SBD) as replacer for milk. Replacement of whole milk with soyabean diet up to 50% level had no significant (P>0.05) effect on dry matter intake (g/day) of the kids. Replacement of whole milk with SBD up to 25% had no appreciable effect on weight gains, and efficiency of feed utilization of the kids (P>0.05), values observed for weight gains, and efficiency of feed utilization decreased significantly (P<0.05) as 50% of whole milk was replaced with SBD, kids running with their dam had lower weight gains (P < 0.05) when compared with those reared artificially on experimental diets between 7 and 13 weeks of age. Result suggested that replacement of milk with 25% SBD, will give adequate performance for pre-weaned kids. This level can be higher from 6 weeks after parturition but must not exceed 50% percent of replacement with SBD.

PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE WEST AFRICAN DWARF (Fouta djallon) GOATS FED SPONDIAS MOMBIN Plus CONCENTRATE.

The effects of supplementing Spondias mombin The plant grows effectively on tropical humid with a concentrated diet were investigated with respect to dry matter and crude protein intakes ability, retention, feed efficiency and growth rate in and harsh conditions. 50 young female West African dwarf (Fouta djallon) goats in a 90% - day feeding trial. The rate, mean dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.05) different from one another with regard to different supplementation levels while the highest dry matter intake was exhibited by : the does fed with 25% browse plus 75% concentrate diet. The does on 75% browse plus concentrate diet indicated the best performance in terms of growth rate (106g/day) and feed efficiency (0.391). The highest crude protein intake (86.21g/day) and protein retention (57.18g/ W0.75kg) were induced by 50% of browse and 50% concentrate supplement. The protein requirement for maintenance in the does was 24,459/Wk0.75.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE BLOOD MINERAL STATUS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP AND GOATS MANAGED UNDER EXTENSIVE AND SEMI-INTENSIVE SYSTEMS OF MANAGEMENT

A total of eighty (80) animals comprising of forty (40) each of West African Dwarf sheep and goats, averagely weighting 25.33 ± 2.50kg and 15.13 ± 1.0kg, respectively were used in an experiment at the Small Ruminant Unit of the Teaching and Research Farms of the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta and Olugbo village via Odeda in Odeda Local Government area of Ogun State. The forty animals from each species were divided into two groups of twenty (20) animals each and were randomly selected and managed under extensive system (ES)and semi intensive system (SIS0. 10ml) of blood sample from individual animal was drawn from each animal and analyzed for their mineral concentration of Ca, P, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn. The main effect of the system of management significantly influenced the concentration of both major and trace minerals of sheep and goats except P and Cu. Sheep and goats under ES had higher (P < 0.05) concentration of Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn and Mn. The concentrations of K and Na were higher (P < 0.05) in sheep and goats under SIS. No significant (P > 0.05) interaction effect on Ca and P concentration was 0bserved, although goats raised under both systems exhibited higher Ca and P concentrations than sheep. However, significant interactions (P < 0.05) of animal special and management systems was observed in the plasma concentrations of Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn with no noticeable trend being following. It was concluded that irrespective of the animal species (Sheep or goats) and management systems, Ca and P supplementation is necessary to ensure optimum productivity of the animals

UDDER SIZE AND MILK PRODUCTION POTENTIALS OF GOATS AND SHEEP IN THE SOUTH WEST OF NIGERIA

Twelve adult lactating goats and sheep (2 to 2 ½ years old) comprising three groups of four each of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats and sheep and Yankasa ewes used for a nine week trial. The animals kidded and lambed between January and March. During these periods the udder sizes of the dams were measured weekly before hand milking thrice a week to derermine the milk yield. Samples of the milk were analysed for their composition. The results showed that the udder size increased with increasing milk yield (112 – 248ml) up to the peak of lactation which was between weeks 3 and 4 after parturition. Thereafter it decreased in size till the end of the experiment. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the udder size was influenced by breed. Udder size was positively correlated with milk yield. Milk yields were generally low or and ranged between 39 and 70ml and this was dependent on the behavior of the lactation curve. The milk protein and ash contents for the three breeds were comparable to those of the temperate breeds. Though Yankasa sheep exhibited the highest milk production potential, yet the peculiar characteristics of goat milk cannot be overlooked.

THE INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTS OF COTTON SEED CAKE ON THE UTILIZATION OF SORGHUM GLUME BY THE GOAT

The influence of supplements of cotton seed cake (CSC)on the voluntary intake and utilization of sorghum glume (SG) by the goat was studied in a 4 x 4 Latin Square digestibility trial. The study involved a total of 12 West African dwarf goats made up of 8 dry, non-pregnant does and 4 bucks aged between 14 and 20 months with av, live weight of 13.7kg. there were diets in all made up of 3 experimental diets in which cotton seed cake replaced, in each case, 25, 50 and 75% of the sorghum glume. The control diet was the unsupplemented sorghum glume. The goats were fed dry matter at 4% of body weight and water and mineral salt lick were provided ad-libitum. The dry matter intake (DMI) increased (P < 0.05) with CSC supplementation but the DMI value between 50 and 75% CSC levels were comparable (P > 0.05). Weight gains in all treatments were positive being highest (63.34±12.7 g/d) with the 50% CSC supplementation of the sorghum glume and lowest (11.67 ± 12.7 g/d) with the (control) unsupplemented sorghum glume. Increase in the oil seed cake supplementation of the sorghum glume resulted in increase (P < 0.05) in nitrogen intake across the treatment. Increase in the feed digestibility, nitrogen retention, digested feed energy and organic matter were significant (P < 0.05) up to 50% cotton seed supplementation of the sorghum glume. The performances of the goats on the 50% CSC and 75% CSC supplementation of sorghum glume are comparable (P < 0.05) in respect of feed intake, nitrogen retention and nutrients digestibilites. A juidicious use of the protein concentrate for optimum feed intake and feed utilization makes the 50% CSC supplementation more desireable. A 50% cotton seed cake supplementation of the sorghum glume is recommended as suitable in the dry season feeding of the goat

Effect of different processing methods on the biochemical composition of water hyacinth and acceptability by WAD goats

The limiting factor in the use of water hyacinth (WH) as a fodder is the high moisture content. Subjecting this water weed to various processing methods might reduce the moisture content to an appreciable level that will be tolerated by animals. Fresh samples of water hyacinth harvested from lagoon water body in Ogun State were processed into wilted, ensiled, sun-cured. Two experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 involved the determination of nutrient composition (Dry matter, Crude protein, Crude fibre Ash, Neutral detergent fibre and Acid detergent fibre), mineral content(macro and micro minerals) and secondary metabolites (spot test analysis of (saponin, phenol and steroid) of fresh and processed WH. In experiment II, the fresh and processed WH were fed to eight WAD goats in a cefetaria feeding trial to determine the Coefficient of Preference (COP) ofall forms of water hyacinth. Results revealed that, the nutrient composition was influenced by processing methods except for the ash content. The sun-cured WH contained more dry matter (89.30 g/100g DM), while the lowest dry matter (8.22 g/100g DM) was recorded for fresh WH. However, ensiled WH contained more crude protein (16.23 g/100g DM) than other forms of WH, the lowest CP (10.42 g/100gDM) was recorded for fresh WH (DBG has some protein in it and it added to the water hyacinth, hence the raised CP content of ensiled WH). However, the neutral detergent fibre ranged from 55.20 to66.25 g/100g DM in ensiled and sun-cured respectively.The mineral content of all forms of WH were similar. Qualitative evaluation of saponin, phenol and steroid showed that all forms of WH contained tannins and steroids; saponin was found but declared negative due to height of the form. The result of COP,showed thatthefresh WH (0.74) was rejected, while all processed WH were acceptable to the animals.However,the ensiled WH (1.40) was most preferred. It is concluded that processing methods can improve the nutrient composition of WH and also the preference by animals.