BODY WEIGHT PREDICTIONS IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED GRADED LEVELS OF ENTEROLOBIUM CYCLOCARPUM

Abstract

Eight (8) West African Dwarf (WAD) goats aged 0-8 weeks old were managed intensively in Animal Science Department, University of Uyo to derive prediction models for body weight using morphometric traits when fed graded levels (0.0%, 7.0%, 15.0% and 22.5%) of Enterolobium cyclocarpum. Data were on body weight and morphometric parameters (body, ear, tail, neck and face lengths; body, neck and head circumferences; height at withers, fore and hind limbs). Prediction models were derived by Completely Randomized Design (CRD). All data were analysed with Gen Stat Software Computer Programme. Body weight of WAD goats on Enterolobium cyclocarpumwere predictable from neck circumference and face length. Neck circumference was the most reliable (R2
= 0.97%) single predictor of body weight. Improvement and selection using body circumference should be avoided when WAD goats are fed Enterolobiumcyclocarpum. In the absence of weighing scales, body weight of WAD goats fed Enterolobiumcyclocarpum should be predicted with neck
circumference and face length.