Effect of feeding graded levels of probiotic supplemented sugarcane bagasse on performance and haematological parameters of Red Sokoto Goats

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of probiotic supplemented sugarcane bagasse on performance, haematology, digestibility, and economic analysis of Goats. Sixteen (16) Red Sokoto Goats were assigned to four treatments consisting of four replications in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The probiotic supplemented sugarcane bagasse was fed at a concentration of 0, 10, 20, and 30% representing treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively. The experiment lasted for 90 days after two weeks adaptation period. The treatment diets together with clean drinking water were offered to the animals ad libitum. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using Statistical Analysis System (SAS) computer application package. Means were separated by least significant difference (LSD). The result shows that final weight gain, total weight gain, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly different (P>0.05) among the treatments. Treatment with inclusion levels of probiotic supplemented sugarcane bagasse had significantly higher values with treatment T2 (10% probiotic supplemented sugarcane bagasse) having the best performance. Total and daily feed intake were significantly affected (P<0.05) by the treatments. All the haematological parameters were not significantly affected (P>0.05) by the treatment diets and were within the normal range for healthy goats. It was concluded that sugarcane bagasse use in goat feed improved feed intake without adverse effects on performance and haematology.