PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS OF Parkia filicoidea AND Tephrosia bracteolata LEAF MEALS IN THE DIET OF THE GOAT

Abstract

Eight female, non-pregnant, non-lactating West African dwarf goats were in digestion trials in a preliminary evaluation of 2 legume orages viz Parkia filicoidea and Tephrosia bracteolata provided as leaf meals. Tephrosia sp. was well accepted at 4.14% of body weightand satisfied the requirement for production, resulting in 50g/d gains in weight. Parkiafilicoidea produced zero weight gain but its crude protein was 56.88% digested so also was ash (88.58%), even better (P<0.05) than Tephrosia bracteolata. The ash in Tephrosia sp. was 62.5% digested. Other nutrients were more than 70% digested. Nutrients were better (P<0.05) digested in Tephrosia sp. than Parkia sp. Tephrosia bracteolata leaf meal is thought good as sole feed for the goat. Parkia filicoidea Parkia filicoidea  would require some supplementation.