Macro elements utilization in W.A.D. does fed combined levels of Andropogon gayanus (kunth) and Gliricidia sepium (jacq) with cassava offal based concentrate

Abstract

Twenty West African Dwarf Does of average weight of 5±0.58 kg aged between 3 and 6 months were used to determine the combination effect of Andropogon gayanus and Gliricidia sepium with cassava offal based diets on minerals balance The five (5) treatments were I (Gs0); 100% Ag + 0% Gs; II (Gs25) 75% Ag +25%Gs; III (Gs50); 50%Ag +50% Gs; IV (Gs 75); 25% Ag+ 75% Gs; V (Gs100);0% Ag + Gs100. Apparent (gm) lowest and highest Ca absorption and retention were observed in Gs0 (94.81) and Gs 25 (115.04) as well as Gs0 (94.73) and Gs25 (114.81) indicating a  quadratic response to Gs levels whereas linear reduction with increasing levels were absorbed in apparent P absorption (Gs100 (19.18) to Gs 0
(33.38) and retention (Gs 100(18.85) to Gs 0 (33.36) and Mg was Gs 100 (18.13) to Gs 0 (38.68) and GS 100(17.42 ) to Gs100 (38.57) respectively. Highest and Lowest (P<0.05) apparent (gm) Na absorption and retention were absorbed in Gs0 (74.79) and GS 100 (38.81) as well as Gs0 (74.74) and 100 (33.43).. Slight quadratic response was exhibited in K absorption and retention (Gs0 (14.81) to Gs100 (123.36) and Gs0 (41.48) to 100 (122.08) and lastly more quadratic response to levels was exhibited in Sulphur (gm) absorption (Gs25(18.37) to Gs0 (36.05) and Gs25 (93.20) to Gs0 (95.31). Although no negative balance was recorded, characteristics of accelerated and efficient usage of nutrients were not linearly related to
levels increments.

Key Words: Grass-legume mixture, cassava offal, W.A.D.-Does, mineral- balance