West African Dwarf Goats Research Articles

Blood Profile of West African Dwarf Does Fed Microbial Treated Bambara Nutshell

A study was conducted using twenty-one (21) West African Dwarf (WAD) goats with an average weight of 10.50± 0.36 kg to evaluate the blood profile of WAD goats fed microbial treated Bambara nutshell diets. The goats were allotted seven dietary treatments with three replicated per treatment in a completely randomized design. The Bambara nutshells underwent sterilization for 15 minutes, were inoculated with 25, 50, and 75ml of Pleurotus pulmonaris and Aspergillus niger, incubated for 7 days, air-dried, and then integrated into the diets, diet A (control), diet B, C, D (25ml, 50ml 75ml Pleurotus pulmonaris) and E, F, G (25ml, 50ml, 75ml Aspergillus niger). Blood was collected from each animal via the jugular vein into bottles containing anticoagulant and without anticoagulant for the measurement of hematological and serum biochemical indices respectively. The study lasted for 63 days. Results showed that the proximate compositions were significantly influenced (p>0.05). Results showed that the blood parameters were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by the diet. Does fed diet C had the highest packed cell volume (35.00 %), hemoglobin (11.97 %) and lymphocytes (47.67%). The serum biochemical parameters also indicated that, total protein (20.09g/l) was highest in diet C. The albumin (4.27g/l) was higher in animals fed diet G, while the serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (5.40 iu/l) and aspartate aminotransferase (22.83 iu/l) were least in animals fed diet F and G respectively. Conclusively, microbial treatment of Bambara nutshell does not have adverse effects on the goat's health status.

Nutritional assay and growth performance of West African dwarf goats fed with fresh, wilted and ensiled cassava leaves-based diet

Nutritional assay and growth performance of West African dwarf goats fed with fresh, wilted and ensiled cassava leaves-based diet

Sexual activity and climatic adaptation assessment of West African Dwarf goats introduced into Algeria

This study aimed to highlight the effects of variations in age, seasons and climatic conditions on the reproductive activity of West African Dwarf Goats imported from tropical zones in Algeria, and to verify the degree of their adaptation to Mediterranean climatic conditions. For this purpose, testicular biometry and hormonal analysis (testosterone and LH levels) using the radioimmunological method were carried out monthly. In total, seven goats aged between 18 to 48+ months were surveyed during the period from September 2021 to March 2022. The results showed a considerable effect of age on testicular measurements. Bucks less than 18 months recorded the lowest average testicular length, width, thickness and volume, scrotal width and circumference, as levels of testosterone concentrations. All variables were strong correlated. Seasonal variations in the average testicular measurements and hormonal concentrations were observed, without affecting testicular activity. Apart from thenegative action of ambient temperature, no effects of relative humidity or atmospheric pressure were revealed. West African Dwarf Goats showed a good capacity to adapt to Mediterranean climatic conditions through their continuous testicular activity during the year.

EFFECT OF FRESH COONTAIL LEAF (CERATOPHYLLUM DEMERSUM) WITH GRADED LEVEL BERMUDA GRASS (CYNODON DACTYLON) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, AND BLOOD INDICES OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

The West African Dwarf (WAD) goats play an essential socioeconomic role in the Nigerian economy, hence the effect of 12 weeks of feeding fresh Coontail leaf (FCL) + Bermuda grass (BG) at various dietary levels on WAD goat growth performance and blood indices were explored. A total of 24 WAD goats weighing an average of 6.02kg each were randomly assigned to four treatments of six goats, with two goats per replicate. In a completely randomized form, each treatment was served four experimental diets comprising FCL and BG at Diet 1: Control 100% FCL, Diet 2: 80% FCL + 20% BG, Diet 3: 70% FCL + 30% BG, and Diet 4: 50% FCL + 50% BG, accordingly. Initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV), and haemoglobin concentration (Hb. The T1 and T4 showed significant (p<0.05) changes in final body weights, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in all haematological parameters evaluated, except packed cell volume (PCV) which had no significant (p>0.05) difference. All blood biochemical indicators indicated significant (p<0.05) differences with total protein, albumin, and urea, except for cholesterol, globulin, and glucose, which were not statistically (p>0.05) different. It is possible to conclude that FCL+BG Can be included in WAD goat diets up to 50% without negatively affecting growth performance or blood parameters.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT FED DIETS TREATED RICE HUSK AS SUBSTITUTE FOR WHEAT BRAN

The study was conducted to study the effects of treated rice husk as a replacement for wheat bran supplement on the growth performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Twenty (20) WAD goats were subjected to five dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four (4) animals per treatment and each serving as a replicate. The treatments are: 0% RH (T1), 25% RH (T2), 50% RH (T3), 75% RH (T4) and 100% RH (T5). The animals were fed 5% of their body weight. The result showed that T2 and T1 are relatively high in crude protein, low in crude fiber, moderate in crude fat and high in carbohydrate. They equally had the lowest values of ADF, ADL and NDF among the treatments. The total weight gain (TWG), average daily weight gain (ADWG), total daily feed intake (TDFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were all significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. The goat, T1 had the highest TWG, ADWG and TDFI values among the goats. The goat fed 25% RH replacement level (T2) converted and utilized feed better and had better growth performance comparable to goats fed T1. In conclusion, at 25% level of treated rice husk as replacement of wheat bran gave better growth performance in the goats. The result demonstrated the qualitative benefits and financial returns of using treated rice husk to replace wheat bran diets for WAD goats. Thus, the use of treated rice husk up to 50% in the diet of WAD goats is recommended for appreciable growth performance and better economic benefits.

EFFECT OF DIETS CONTAINING PYRIDOXINE AND ASCORBIC ACID AT GRADED LEVELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

Vitamin C and B6 play crucial roles in enhancing appetite and promoting feed intake of ruminant animals. These vitamins are involved in the regulation of various biological processes, including the synthesis of neurotransmitters that control hunger and satiety. By providing an adequate amount of Vitamin C and B6 in the diet, West African Dwarf goats are likely to exhibit improved feed intake, resulting in a greater nutrient intake and better growth performance. A study was conducted to investigate the effect of diets containing ascorbic acid and pyridoxine at graded levels on the growth performance of WAD goats. A total of twenty (20) West African Dwarf (WAD) goats aged less than a year old were used for a feeding trial that lasted for 12 weeks. This study was carried out at the Small Ruminant Unit of the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria. The goats were randomly allotted on weight equalization into four (4) dietary treatments consisting of five (5) goats per treatments which were: basal concentrate diet (control), basal concentrate diet (100kg) + 50g of ascorbic acid, basal concentrate diet (100kg) + 50g of pyridoxine, basal concentrate diet (100kg) + 25g of ascorbic acid + 25g of pyridoxine. Data were collected on feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. Data obtained were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% probability level. Results obtained also showed that the treatments had no significant (P<0.05) effect on all the growth performance parameters under consideration. Goats fed diets containing 50g of pyridoxine had highest value for total feed intake (248.29g/day) and total protein intake (22.18g/day) while goats fed diets containing 50g ascorbic acid had higher mean values for majority of growth performance parameters which were final weight (8.20kg), metabolic weight gain (4.45g/day/W0.75), metabolic final weight (4.84g/day/W0.75), daily weight gain (20.40g/day). The results of this study indicated that the inclusion of Ascorbic Acid at 50g inclusion rate (T2) is best in supplementing concentrate diets for a better growth performance.

EFFECT OF XYLAZINE - MIDAZOLAM COMBINATION WITH ASCORBIC ACID AS ANAESTHESIA ON HEALTH STATUS OF WEST AFRICA DWARF GOATS

The use of a safer technique of achieving anaesthesia is a unique procedure to be explored, Thus this study was aimed to evaluate the effect of xylazine – midazolam combination with ascorbic acid on the haematological indices of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. A total number of ten (10) WAD goats were randomly allotted into two groups; Group 1: Xylazine + Midazolam (XM) and Group II: Xylazine + Midazolam + Ascorbic acid (XMA300). Blood samples were collected from all goats in each treatment via jugular vein before the medicines were administered (0 minutes), and during drug administration at 60 and 90 minutes for haematological examination. Results revealed significant (P<0.05) effect on the haematological indices of the WAD goats except the packed cell volume, red blood cell, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin. Goat administered XMA300 had higher (P<0.05) haemoglobin values (10.60 ± 1.74g/dL) at 90 min under anaesthesia. Goats administered XM recorded higher (P<0.05) WBC at 0 (52.50 ± 1.58 × 105/µL) and 60 (71.00 ± 1.58 × 105/µL) min while at 90 min, goats administered XMA300 had higher value (60.00 ± 1.58× 105 /µL). The platelets values observed at 0 (11.60 ± 0.25 × 107/µL), 60 (10.90 ± 0.16× 107/µL) and 90 (12.80 ± 0.16 × 107/µL) min of anaesthesia in this study were higher in group administered XM. Goats administered XMA300 had higher (P<0.05) lymphocytes values at 0, 60 and 90 mins of anaesthesia. The mean corpuscular volume observed in this study was higher in goats administered XM (29.00 ± 1.58 fl) at 60 min but was higher in goats administered XMA (24.40±1.74 fl) at 90 min. It can be concluded that addition of ascorbic acids with the drugs improved the heamatological indices of WAD goats.

PHYLOGENETIC (DENDROGRAM) ANALYSIS OF THREE INDIGENOUS BREEDS OF GOAT IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Phylogenetic (Dendrogram) Analysis of three indigenous breeds of goat in northern Nigeria namely Red Sokoto, Borno White and West African Dwarf goats (40 animals each) were evaluated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker. This study was conducted in three states of northern Nigeria namely Jigawa, Yobe and Nasarawa States. Ten RAPD markers were initially used for the analysis, 1 of the 10 markers was discarded based on the band pattern quality. The Laboratory analysis was conducted at the Molecular Laboratory, National Institute of Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR), Kaduna. Results were analyzed using GenALEX 6.5 software. Phylogenetic tree constructed using the boostrapped data and neighbor-joining method grouped all the three breeds into two clusters indicating an agreement with phenotypic similarities. The result indicated that West African dwarf goat is most genetically distant from Red Sokoto and Borno white. The information obtained indicates that these breeds are genetically different which provide a good background about the breeds for genetic improvement and conservation of our local goat breed in the feature. The present study suggests that RAPD-PCR can effectively be used to determine the Phylogenetic relationship among the goat breeds.

THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF FEEDING RUMEN WASTE AND IN THE DIETS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

The cost of conventional feeds has over the years posed a challenged to ruminant production. There is a need for affordable/cheap nonconventional feed materials. This study was undertaken to determine the economic benefit of feeding Rumen Waste and in the diets of West African dwarf goats. Twenty five West African Dwarf goats were fed five treatment diets containing Cattle Rumen waste (CRW) and Goat Rumen waste (GRW) at 0, 20 and 40% inclusion levels, respectively, using a completely randomized design. Daily feed intake and weekly weight gain were measured. Metabolism cages were used for total collection of faeces and urine. There was no significance difference (P>0.05) in Dry Matter Intake, Organic Matter Intake, weight gain, Dry Matter and Organic Matter digestibility for all the treatments, while diet 5 (40% GRC) had the least Dry Matter and Organic Matter digestibility. Cost of feed decreased from N268.88 for 0% RW to N188.87 and N151.63 for 20% CRW and 40% GRW respectively. Also, feed cost/kg live weight gain decline from N344 at 0% RW to N160.85 for 40% CRW. Cattle and goat rumen wastes will therefore be of immense economic benefit in reducing cost of production when used in the diets of goats.

EFFECT OF FICUS THONNINGII (STRANGLER FIG) LEAF EXTRACT ON RUMEN FERMENTATION PARAMETERS AND MICROBIAL COUNT OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of Ficus thoningii leaf extract (FLE) on rumen fermentation parameters and microbial count of West African dwarf goats fed total mixed ration in an 84-day feeding trial. Twenty-four West African dwarf goats were divided into four treatment groups and FLE were administered orally via syringe every morning at four varying levels (0, 5, 10 and 15mL) per animal per day for each of the four treatments respectively. The phytochemical composition of FLE was determined. Rumen fluid of the goats was collected at the end of the study and the pH, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), ammonia-nitrogen, and microbial population were also determined. The study revealed that FLE contains tannins, cyanogenicglycosides, total phenol, flavonoid, trypsin inhibitor, phytate oxalate, alkaloids and saponin . TVFA was higher (p<0.05) in goats administered 15mL dosage (101.70mM) while ammonia-nitrogen was higher (p<0.05) at 10 and 15mL doses. FLE increased (p<0.05) fungi count in goats administered the various doses of FLE. Bacteria and protozoa counts were not significantly (p>0.05) influenced by administration of FLE. However, the values obtained for bacteria count increased while that of protozoa count reduced by the end of the study. It was therefore concluded that FLE can be used up to 15 mL dosage to manipulate rumen fermentation to increase TVFA and ammonia nitrogen production.

EFFECT OF SORGHUM MEAL-BASED CONCENTRATE ON MILK YIELD, MILK COMPOSITION AND CHEESE WEIGHT OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT AT EARLY LACTATION

This study aims to investigate the effect of sorghum meal-based concentrate on milk yield, milk composition, and cheese weight at early lactation of West African Dwarf Goat. A total of Fourteen (14) West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats with initial live weight ranging from 12 to 24kg in their third and fourth parity were divided into two groups; a control group (maize) and a treatment group (Sorghum) four weeks. All data obtained were analyzed using T-test The study findings suggest that sorghum meal-based concentrate can be a useful strategy to improve milk yield and quality at early lactation of West African Dwarf goats, with potential benefits for cheese product

EFFECTS OF ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF FICUS THONINGII (STRANGLER FIG) STEM BARK EXTRACT ON RUMEN FERMENTATION PARAMETERS AND MICROBIAL COUNT OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

The study was aimed at investigating the effects of Ficus thoningii stem bark extract (FSBE) on rumen fermentation parameters and microbial count of West African dwarf goats in a 84-day feeding trial. Fifteen West African dwarf goats were divided into three treatment groups and administered FSBE at three doses of 0, 10 and 20ml/head/day for each of the three treatments respectively. Phytochemical composition of FSBE was determined. Rumen fluid of the goats was collected at the end of the study and the pH, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA), ammonia-nitrogen and microbial population were also determined. Results show that FSBE at 10 % concentration contains tannin, phenol, flavonoids, phytate, oxalate and saponin. The administration of FSBE did not significantly (p>0.05) affect pH, TVFA, and bacteria count. Ammonia-nitrogen decreased as the dosage of FSBE administered to the goats increased. The lowest (p<0.05) ammonia-nitrogen (40.72 and 45.33 mg/dL) concentration was obtained in goats administered 10 and 20ml dosage of FSBE respectively. FSBE increased (p<0.05) fungi count but reduced protozoa count at 10 and 20 ml doses. It was therefore concluded that FSBE can be used up to 20 mL dosage to manipulate rumen fermentation for reduced ammonia-nitrogen and protozoa population.

RUMEN METABOLITES AND MICROBIAL COUNT OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED GUINEA GRASS (PANICUM MAXIMUM) GROWN WITH DIFFERENT ORGANIC MANURE SOURCES

This study was conducted to investigate rumen metabolites and microbial counts of West African Dwarf goats fed Guinea grass grown with different organic manure sources. Sixteen (16) female West African Dwarf goat of about 5-6 months with average weight of 6.50±0.25 were randomly assigned to four treatments with four replicates in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). 60% Panicum maximum grown with different organic manure and 40% concentrate were allotted as the diet 1 (control), diet 2, 3 and 4. respectively. Rumen parameters (pH, ammonia nitrogen, acetic acids, butyric acids, propionic acids and total volatile fatty acids) were significantly different (p<0.05) among dietary treatments except temperature. All microbial parameters were significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the experimental diets. Microbial counts were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. Higher count was observed in goats fed 60% Panicum maximum and 40% concentrate diet. The value was also significantly (P>0.05) higher in goats fed 60% Panicum maximum grown with cattle manure and 40% concentrate diet. The use of organic fertilizer to grow pasture grass has the potentials to support favourable rumen ecology for better productivity of goats.

LOCATION AND SEX EFFECT ON MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Interaction between environment and genes causes variation in phenotype. There’s dearth of information on the influence of agroecological zones in Akwa Ibom State on morphometric traits of West African Dwarf goat in Akwa Ibom State. This study seeks to address this. The study was conducted to determine the influence of location and sex on the morphometric traits of West African Dwarf goat raised in Akwa Ibom State. A total of 384)goats comprising of 259 does and 125 bucks were sampled from the three senatorial districts (Eket, Ikot Ekpene and Uyo) of Akwa Ibom State. One hundred and twentyeight goats were sampled from each of the senatorial districts. Morphometric traits studied were body length (BL), heart girth (HG), rump height (RH), body depth (BD), ear length (EL), tail length (TL), neck circumference (NC) as well as body weight (BW). Data obtained from this on sex were analysed using independent T test while morphometric traits were subjected to analysis of variance using SPSS. Results obtained showed that all the traits studied were significantly (P<0.05) affected by location except RH. Goats in Ikot Ekpene senatorial district were superior in body weight than goats in Eket and Uyo senatorial districts. However, goats in Uyo senatorial district were significantly higher in BL, HW, HG, RH, BD, TL, EL and NC than goats in Ikot Ekpene and Eket senatorial districts. There were significant (P<0.05) effect of sex on the studied traits excepton HW, RH, EL and TL. It was concluded that body weight and morphometric traits are important in West African Dwarf goats and these traits are sex influenced and favours females than males. These traits were also significantly affected by locations within Akwa Ibom State. It is therefore recommended that morphometric traits and location should be considered during selection to improve West African Dwarf in Akwa Ibom State.

EFFECTS OF GUAVA LEAF (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA) SUPPLEMENTATION IN THE DIET OF RUMINANT ON IN VITRO METHANE PRODUCTION, DEGRADABILITY AND PROTOZOA POPULATION

Guava leaf is a sustainable and locally accessible forage that can serve as a valuable supplement to the diet of ruminants due to their rich nutritional profile and appreciable secondary metabolites which support methane reduction for effective nutrient utilization. This study investigated the effects of guava leaf supplementation in the diet of ruminant on in vitro methane production, degradability and protozoa population. Guava leaves (GL) was substituted for Panicum hay (PH) at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60% levels as roughage source in the diet of West African dwarf goats with roughage to concentrate ratio of 60:40. In vitro gas production technique was carried out by incubating 200 mg of samples from each treatment with 30 mL inoculum. Total gas production, Methane production, diet degradability and protozoa population were evaluated at the end of 48 hours incubation. Guava leaves supplementation improved the proximate composition of the diets especially the crude protein content which was higher (p < 0.05) in diet containing 30 to 60% GL supplementation. In vitro gas and methane production decreased drastically (P < 0.05) with guava leaves supplementation. Diet with 30% GL caused 59% methane reduction with minimal effect on diet degradation. Protozoa count reduced with increase in the level of GL inclusion. It can be concluded from this study that guava leaves should form 30% of diet for West African dwarf goats for effective methane reduction with minimal effect on feed degradability.

NUTRIENT INTAKES AND NITROGEN UTILIZATION BY WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED DIETS CONTAINING DRY LOCUST BEAN PULP

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the nutrient intakes and nitrogen utilization of West African Dwarf goats fed diets containing dry locust bean pulp (DLBP) in a completely randomized design (CRD) for twelve weeks. The research was carried out at the Small Ruminant Unit of the College of Animal Science and Livestock Production (COLANIM), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Nigeria. A total number of twenty (20) WAD goats of less than one (1) year were randomly allotted on weight equalization into four (4) dietary treatments consisting of five (5) goats per treatments which were: 0, 10, 20 and 30% DLBP inclusion levels. Data obtained at the end of the study were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range test at a 5% probability level. The dietary treatments significantly (p<0.05) influenced all the nutrient intake parameters observed. Goats fed 20% DLBP recorded the highest total dry matter (430.49%), total crude fibre (72.95%), total ether extract (41.58%), total acid detergent fibre (109.28%) and total acid detergent lignin (64.72%) intake compared with other dietary treatments. Total nitrogen intake (6.29%), total nitrogen excreted (2.55%) and nitrogen absorbed (5.00%) were significantly (p<0.05) different with 0% DLBP having significantly higher values while 20% DLBP had the highest nitrogen retained (3.89%). The results of this study indicated that the inclusion of dry locust bean pulp at 20% level enhanced nutrients intakes and nitrogen utilization by West African Dwarf goats.

EFFECT OF DRENCHED APPLE CIDER VINEGAR ON THE PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS RAISED UNDER INTENSIVE SYSTEM

Efficient diet utilization for maximum productivity is one of the major research areas for livestock sustainability. This study was designed to investigate effect of drenched apple cider vinegar on performance of West African Dwarf goats raised under intensive system. A total of twelve goats of both sexes were randomly assigned to three treatments containing four replicates where each animal is an experimental unit. The experiment was designed as G1, G2 and G3 which were drenched with 0, 1 and 2 ml, respectively of apple cider vinegar. The results showed that body weight gain (g) and total feed intake (kg) were significantly (P<0.05) influenced. Weight gain was highest (1298.75 g) in G2 while least similar values (894.00 and 910.75 g) were obtained in G1 and G3, respectively. The Panicum maximum intake had highest numerical value (11.54 kg) in G2 while the least (9.70 kg) was obtained in G1. The total feed intake was observed to be highest (23.37 kg) in G2, followed by G3 (20.10 kg) while least value (18.70 kg) was obtained in G1. The highest numerical value (22.38) for feed conversion ratio was obtained in G3. However, the least (19.97) FCR was obtained in G2 which gave the best value. Drenching West African Dwarf goats with 1 mL of apple cider vinegar had best performance on weight gain and total feed intake which invariably resulted in best feed conversion ratio of the animals, and hereby recommended as additive in water or direct drench in goats’ production.

EFFECT OF SEASON ON THERMOPHYSIOLOGY OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS REARED IN NASARAWA STSTE, NIGERIA

Heat stress is one of the major factor affecting production of animals. This has become more worrisome due climate change as a result of depletion of ozone layers. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of season on heat-tolerance traits of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat using 200 (100 bucks and 100 does) mature WAD goats at both wet and dry season. Heat tolerance traits: respiratory rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature were determined eat 30 days intervals for four months each for both wet and dry season. Data were analysed using T-test of the SPSS software version 21. Results indicated that season had significant effect on heat stress parameters. Values (41.19±0.46 vs 39.13±0.46) for rectal temperature was significantly higher in dry season compared to wet season. However, pulse and respiratory rates were higher in wet season. From the outcome of this research, it could be recommended that characterization of WAD goats could be done using heat tolerance traits so as to stimulate production of WAD goats in Nasarawa State due to the fact that they have the potential to adapt to the prevailing environmental conditions in the area.

EFECT OF SEX ON HEAT STRESS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS REARED IN NASARAWA STATE NIGERIA

Give two or three sentences to indicate justification for this study. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sex on heat stress of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat. The study was conducted using 200 (100 bucks and 100 does) mature WAD goats comprising of 100 (50 bucks and 50 does) from the Southern and Northern Agricultural zones. Parameters measured were rectal temperature, respiratory rate, pulse rate and heat stress index. Data generated were analysed using the T test procedure of the SPSS software version 21. The result obtained indicated that sex had significant (P<0.05) effect on rectal temperature and pulse rate in Southern Agricultural Zone and combination of Northern and Southern Agricultural Zone. Doe had significantly (P<0.05) higher rectal temperature (40.74±0.04) while the Buck had significantly (P<0.05) higher pulse rate (100.43±0.54) in the Southern Zone. Respiratory rate and heat stress index was not significant in the two agricultural zones. From the outcome of this research, it could be recommended that characterization of WAD goats could be done using heat tolerance traits in Nasarawa State due to the fact that they have the potential to adapt to the prevailing environmental conditions in the area.

FERMENTATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF MILLET-BASED DIETS FOR WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS IN THE SOUTHERN GUINEA SAVANNAH ZONE OF NIGERIA

The study is to investigate the in vitro fermentation pattern of the diets at inclusion levels of millet husk as feed for ruminants. Five experimental diets were formulated using millet husk as a replacement for wheat bran at graded levels of D1(0%), D2(25%), D3(50%) D4(75%) and D5(100%). The rumen fluid collected from five WAD goats through the suction tube before the morning feed was sieved with four layered cheesecloth and subjected to an in vitro fermentation study. Incubation was carried out in 120 ml calibrated syringes in three batches at 39 ± 1ºC. The gas production was measured at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24h. The metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility and short-chain fatty acids were estimated at 24h incubation. At the end of 24 hours of incubation, 4 mL of NaOH (10 M) was introduced using a 5 mL capacity syringe in a completely randomized design. All the parameters measured and calculated in this study were significantly influenced by the experimental diets. The gas volume produced decreased as the millet husk inclusion level increased. The OMD values recorded indicate good digestibility of the diets. It is observed that the digestibility and methane production decrease as the inclusion level of millet husk increases. Hence, millet husk could be incorporated in the ruminant diet to mitigate methane emissions.