Nutrient intake, body weight changes, apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilisation of West African Dwarf goats fed four phytogenic browse plant parts in their diets

摘要

The study was conducted to evaluate the nutrient intake, body xveight changes, apparent nutrient digestibility’ and nitrogen utilisation of West African dxvarf (WAD) goats fed four phytogenic browse plant (Mangifera indica, Nauclea latifolia, Gmelinaarborea and Alchonea cordifolia) leaf meals. Four diets Tt, T2, T3, and Tj, were formulated such that 20% each oj Mangifera Indica, Nauclea latifolia, Gmelina arborea and Alchonea cordifolia leaf meals xvas included to each of the four diets respectively. Four WAD bucks of about 6-8 months old were used for this experiment. Each of the goats received one of the four treatment diets in a4x 4 Latin Square arrangement. Data obtained from the study were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) applicableto a 4 x 4 Latin Square experimental design. The results shoxved that supplement DM intake, basal DM intake, total DM intake, CP intake and ash were significantly (P<0.05) higher for the goats fed Th T2 and T3. The goats fed T2 had significantly improved(P<0.05) daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The DM, CP, ash were better digested (P<0.05) in T2 than in any other treatment. ADL was however better digested (P<0.05) in Tt. The nitrogen intake, N-balance, N-retention and N-absorbed values weresignificantly (P<0.05) higher for goats fed T2. T2 was recommended among the other diets for feeding goats, as it had better performance xvith respect to nutrient intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient digestibility’ and utilisation.