Growth rate and manure quality of small ruminants under rural production in the Gambia

Abstract

A three-month long on-farm participatory study was undertaken in four villages within The Gambia. The objectives of the study were to determine the average daily weight gain (ADWG) and faecal outputs of small ruminants under the traditional management system. 

Thirty four young bucks and rams used in this study are 6 to 12 months old were owned and managed by 18 farmers. They comprise of Djallonke sheep (DS), Crossbred sheep (Djallonke x Sahelian sheep) (DSS), and West African Dwarf Goats (WADG). All the animals were weighed every fortnight. Their faecal droppings were collected either overnight or over 24 hour period, three times a week. The mineral contents of the collected faeces were determined. Collected data was partitioned on the basis of species (sheep vs goats) and sheep breeds, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression models.

Results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in ADWG: 25.6g for DS, 40.0g for DSS, and 34.8g for WADG goat. Overnight faecal outputs were: 218g for DS, 151g for DSS and 129g for WADG. The 24 hour faecal outputs were 487g, 347g and 275g for the DSS, DS and the WADG, respectively.

Goat manure contained 2.3% nitrogen, 1.0% phosphorus and 0.9% potassium; while sheep manure had 2.0% nitrogen, 0.9% phosphorus, and 0.6% potassium. Nitrogen and potassium contents of sheep manure were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than goats manure. The mineral contents of Djallonke and Crossbred rams manure were not significantly different (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the crossbreed sheep grew faster and produced more daily faecal output than both WADG and Djallonke sheep. Follow up sheep and goat fattening trials utilising leguminous dual purpose varieties of cowpea and groundnut are recommended. In addition, participatory studies like this should have a control component on station for
comparison purposes.

Keywords: Average Daily Weight Gain, Faeces, Gambia, Minerals, Goat and Sheep