Performance and haematological parameters of Kano brown bucks fed diet containing graded levels of cottonseed cake

Abstract

A 60 day study was carried out to determine the effect of protein supplement in Kano brown bucks. Twenty four bucks with initial weight of 10.25-12.33 kg were grouped into three of eight bucks each and were randomly assigned to the three treatment diets in a completely randomized design. Prior to this, concentrate diets were formulated to contain 15%, 30% and 45% cottonseed cake (CSC) as the protein supplement in the dietary treatments. Crop residues formed the basal diet and were fed ad libitum. Alongside, fresh clean water was provided to goats ad libitum. Parameters determined during the experiment were feed intake, daily weight changes, Feed cost and and haematological parameters. Result showed that protein, EE, lysine, methionine and fibre contents increased with increasing levels of CSC in diet, whereas ME in kcal/kg reduced as CSC in diet increased. Feed intake significantly (P<0.05) decreased with increasing levels of CSC in diet across treatment. Final weight gain, average daily live weight and feed to gain ratio significantly (P<0.05) increased when CSC in diet increased from 15% to 45%. Feed cost (N/kg) increased with increased in CSC. However, cost of concentrate intake and feed cost/gain were better for animal fed 45%. Although, varying levels of CSC in diet significantly (P<0.05) influenced the haematological values of WBC, PVC and were within acceptable regions. The distribution of neutrophils, lymptrocytes, monocytes, basophils and eosinophils reduced with increasing levels of CSC in diet, though were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by variation of levels of CSC in diets. It is concluded that including protein supplement such as cottonseed cake in buck diets at 45% can be beneficial to Kano brown bucks.