Effect of sex on the performance of West African Dwarf goats fed Cassava peels – pigeon pea (Cajanus Cajan) hay supplemented with concentrate

Abstract

The seasonal fluctuations of pasture and fodder crops in quantity and quality make raising of goats on range an unprofitable venture hence, the need to improve the nutrition of these animals with leguminous browse plant leaves and concentrate formulations based on locally available and non-competitive feedstuffs. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the effect of sex on the nutrients intake, weight gain, nitrogen retention and feed to gain ratio of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed cassava peels – Cajanus cajan hay supplemented with concentrate using twenty-four (24) WAD goats aged 2-3 years, weighed 13 ±2.14kg averagely. Four diets were formulated such that cassava peel (100%) was replaced with Cajanus cajan hay at 0 (A), 25 (B), 50 (C), and 75% (D) respectively. Six goats (three does and three bucks) were assigned to each of the four experimental diets supplemented with 300g of concentrate per goat per day for 93days in a 2x4 factorial arrangement in completely randomized design. The dry matter (DM) content of diets ranged from 90.13 (diet A) to 92.81% (diet C), crude protein (CP) content ranged from 5.51 in diet A to 16.10% in diet D. Nutrients intake by the goats was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment. Dry matter, crude protein intake and apparent digestibility increased with increased inclusion of Cajanus cajan hay in the diets.  It implied that the diets had adequate dietary protein and energy that enhanced the digestion of nutrients. The effect of sex on nutrients intake depict no significant (P>0.05) difference however, does consumed more feeds than the bucks. Results of interaction between sexes and nutrients intake were significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment however, does fed diet D consumed more feed (471.90g/day) than the bucks.  Results of weight gain (29.68gd¹) and feed to gain ratio (12.64) indicated that the does performed better than the bucks. This study revealed that cassava peels and Cajanus cajan hay supplemented with concentrate no doubt improved the performance of the goats however, the substitution of cassava peels with Cajanus cajan hay at 25% and 75% (diet D) supplemented with concentrate was more acceptable to the goats. The use of cassava peel supplemented with Cajanus cajan as feed will enhance goat production as well as encourage the cultivation of Cajanus cajan as it is going into extinction in Nigeria.