Effects of varying levels of groundnut haulms and cowpea shell on the performance of weaner Red Sokoto goats.

Abstract

Four diets containing 16% crude protein were formulated with varying levels of groundnut haulms (GNH) and cowpea shell (CPS). The diets designated as Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, contained 60% GNHI 0% CPS; 40% GNH/20% CPS, 20% GNH/40% CPS and 0%GNH/60%CPS respectively. The diets were fed to sixteen kids of Red Sokoto goats (two males and two females per diet] for seventy days in order to study the effects of varying levels of GNH and CPS on feed intake, nutrient digestibilities and weight gains of the animals. The results showed that the highest dry matter and crude protein intakes by the animals obtained for Diet 2 were 477.30 g/ day and 77. 85g/ day respectively. The lowest water intake per kilogram dry matter intake was obtained on Diet 3 (2. 421). Animals on Diet 2 had a better daily weight gain (85.41g/ day) compared to those on the other diets. The highest feed conversion ratio was obtained on Diet 4 (7.35). Nutrient digestibilities were significantly (p<0.01) affected by treatments, with Diet 2 having the highest and Diet 4 the lowest. Based on higher weight gains for animals on Diet 2, which indicates a shorter time to attain slaughter weight, dieis containing 40% GNH/20%CPS could be recommended for growing Red Sokoto goats.