EFFECTS OF SUN-DRIED CASSAVA PEELS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN RED SOKOTO DOES (Capra aegagrus hircus) DURING GESTATION

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the potentials of graded levels of sun-dried cassava peels as alternatural energy source to replace maize offal in supplement diets for pregnant Red Sokoto (Maradi) does. Five (5) supplementary diets were formulated to contain Sun-Dried Cassava Peels (SDCP) at levels of 0, 18.5, 37.0, 55.5 and 74.0%. A sixth diet contained Cotton Seed Cake (CSC) without maize offal, and SDCP. Treatment 1 and 6 containing 0% supplementation of SDCP served as the control diets. The diets were iso-calorific and iso-nitrogenous. Thirty (30) pregnant Red Sokoto does aged between 1.5-2.0 years were weighed and equally allotted to six (6) treatments at a means of 26.1-26.6kg in a Randomize Complete Block Design. The goats were fed at 1.5% weekly live weight. After supplementation for two hours (8:00-10:00am) each morning, they were released to graze on natural pasture within a specified paddock. Results obtained showed that the daily dry matter intake (DMI/head) in treatment 6 was significantly higher than Treatments 1 and 5. Although, the supplementation of SDCP recorded low CPI compared to the two controls, their increasing levels of supplementations also showed a decreasing tendency on CPI.  There were no significant differences between Treatments 3 and 4 for crude protein intake (CPI), although Treatment 1, 2, 5 and 6 differ significantly (P<0.05) for CPI. Treatment 6 recorded higher CPI (103.1 g) while Treatment 5 was lower (43.1 g). The efficiency of dry matter utilization (EDMU) and efficiency of crude protein utilization (ECPU) were not significantly (P>0.05) different for all treatments. The higher average daily gain (ADG) 67.4 g was obtained in Treatment 3 and the least (14.3 g) in Treatment 4. The results obtained for ADG in Treatment 3 was significantly higher than Treatment 4 only (P<0.05). the higher final mean live weight of 32.2kg was obtained for Treatments 3 and 6. Treatments 1, 2, 4 and 5 were not significantly (P>0.05) different. Based on the results of this study, Maize offal can be replaced with up to 74% Sun dried Cassava peels in the diet of Red Sokoto Does grazed on natural pasture during gestation without adverse effect on growth performance.