Abstract:
The performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed cassava peels – pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) hay supplemented with concentrate was evaluated using twenty four (24) WAD goats. Six (6) animals (three does and three bucks) were assigned to each of the four (4) experimental diets that contained varying levels of cassava peels and Cajanus cajan hay at ratio 100:0 (A), 75:25(B), 50:50 (C), and 25:75 (D) respectively for 93days (30days of adaptation and 63days of data collection) in a 2x4 factorial arrangement using completely randomized design. Parameters assessed included; nutrients intake, digestibility, nitrogen utilization, minerals utilization, weight change, haematological parameters, serum biochemistry, sex effects and interactive effects on the goat sexes and diet.
Results of the study revealed that dry matter of diets ranged between 90.13% (diet A) and 92.81% (diet C), crude protein 5.51 (diet A) – 16.10% (diet D) and crude fibre 15.51% (diet A) – 28.52% (diet D). The nutrients intake values were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the inclusion of Cajanus cajan hay in the diets however, the crude protein intake increased with increased substitution of Cajanus cajan hay in diets B (50.66g/day), C (63.99g/day) and D (84.12g/day). The apparent digestibility coefficients of the CP ranged between 58.34% (diet A) and 77.96% (diet D) which implied that the diets contained enough dietary protein and energy that enhanced the digestion of diets. Total nitrogen intake and nitrogen retention values were significantly (P<0.05) influenced the weight gain and feed/gain ratio of goats fed diets B, C and D. The anti-nutrients concentrations of the diets were tolerable and there was no sign of nutritional threat shown by the goats. The values of sex effect were not significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the diets. The interaction of sexes and diets intake was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment. The present study suggested that the goats fed cassava peels replaced with Cajanus cajan hay at 25% and 75% level consumed more of their diet and had best weight gain. The substitution of cassava peels with Cajanus cajan hay in goats’ rations would be a better source of protein and energy to sustain ruminants during dry season, period of scarcity and purposeful outlet for better utilization of cassava peels and encourage the production of Cajanus cajan which is gradually going to an extinction.
