Influence of Wet Soya Waste on Nutrient Utilization by Red Sokoto Goats Fed Digitaria (Digitaria smutsii>) Hay

Abstract

Trial was conducted to determine the influence of wet soya waste (WSW) on nutrient utilization in Red Sokoto goats fed Digitaria smutsii hay basal diet. Four mature bucks of 11.32kg body weight were allotted to four dietary treatments which were 0, 200, 400 and 600g levels of WSW in 4 X 4 Latin square design. There was a  significant (P<0.05) difference in intake of Digitaria smutsii hay. The control group had higher intake (310g/day) and decrease with increase in the levels of WSW to (205g/day) in those fed 600g WSW. Total dry matter intake varied from 2.253.10% of body weight. The result of other nutrients followed similar pattern, with the  exception of crude fiber, the control had significantly (P<0.05) higher crude fiber intake which decreases with increase in WSW supplementation. Experimental  animals fed the 600g had significantly (P<0.05) lower water intake (240ml)  compared to those fed control diet (575ml). Dry matter digestibility was  significantly (P<0.05) affected by WSW supplementation. Animals that were fed the WSW had a high dry matter digestibility. The digestibility of other nutrients follows the same pattern. Goats fed the 600g had statistically (P<0.05) higher nitrogen intake (9.48g/day) and the least was in the control group (4.14g/day).  Nitrogen balance significantly (P<0.05) differed across dietary treatment. Experimental animals fed high levels of WSW had high nitrogen retention, while those fed the control diet had low nitrogen retention. From the result of the study, it can be  concluded that inclusion of WSW in the diet of goats influences nutrient intake and digestibility.

Key words: digestibility, goat, intake, wet soya waste, nutrient, hay