Feed intake, haematological and biochemical indices of West African dwarf does fed graded levels of urea-molasses treated rice husks diets

Abstract

A sixty-three-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, haematological and biochemical indices of West African dwarf does fed maize offal substituted with ureamolasses treated rice husks diets. Twenty-five does aged 2-2½ years with weight of 14.78 ±0.31kg were used. Five experimental diets were formulated such that maize offal was replaced with urea-molasses treated rice husks meal at ratio 0, 20, 30, 40 and 50%. The twenty-five does (5 does per group) were randomly allocated to each of the five diets in completely randomised design. Chemical composition of diets revealed that dry matter ranged from 91.26 to 91.69%, the diet E had the highest crude protein (16.23%). Neutral detergent fibre ranged from 41.18 to 46.00 % and the highest energy was 16.62 KJ/100gDM. Nutrients intake was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by inclusion of urea-molasses treated rice husks meal in the diets. The highest dry matter (559.46g/day), crude protein (79.78g/day) and energy (21.88kcal/g) intake were obtained in does fed diet C. Nutrients digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the treatment, an indication that the diets were palatable and digestible. All does maintained normal haematological and biochemical indices, thereby keeping all does on healthy condition. Does fed diet B that contained 20 % urea-molasses treated rice husks meal had the best weight gain (63.81 g/day) and feed to gain ratio (8.42). It can be concluded that does fed B performed better than other does thus; the diet would be a better source of protein and energy to support the performance of West African dwarf does.

Keywords: Blood indices, does, performance, rice husks, urea-molasses