Performance assessment and grazing pattern of semi-intensively managed Maradi goats supplemented with Palm Kernel Cake and Poultry Dropping Concentrates

Abstract

Performance assessment and grazing pattern of semi intensively managed goats supplemented with Palm Kernel Cake (PKC) and Poultry Dropping Concentrates (PDM) was studied with 12 billy Maradi goats of average weight of 14.25kg ± 1.03 SEM, 3 replicates per each treatment. Four experimental treatments (T1-T4) were compounded with wheat offal (35%), cassava peel (30%), salt (2.25%) and bone meal (2.25%), T1 (30% PKC), T2 (20% + 10% PDM), T3 (15% PKC + 15% PDM) and T4 (10% PKC+20% PDM) and assigned in a Complete Randomized Design. The goats were tagged and supplemented with the  experimental treatments ad libitum twice daily before and after grazing, weather condition monitored. Results showed no  significant (P>0.05) difference in the DM of the experimental treatments, T1 had higher significantly (P<0.05) value of 17.50% CP, Maradi goats supplemented with T1 and T4 had higher and similar (P<0.05) feed intake while least significant (P<0.05) feed intake was recorded for goats supplemented with T3. Animals that were supplemented with T1 had highest significant (P<0.05) water consumption compared with animals supplemented with T2, T3 and T4 which had similar (P>0.05) water consumption. The goats fed T4 had the highest (P<0.05) weight gain, there is a significant (P<0.05) difference in the FCR of the experimental  animals. Maradi goats supplemented with T4 had the best FCR. There was no significant (P>0.05) in the grazing pattern of the Maradi goats. Conclusively, animals fed T4 (20% PDM inclusion) had the best feed intake, weight gain and FCR. It is therefore recommended that PDM is valuable feed resources for goat  production especially under the semi intensive management.

Key words: Grazing pattern; Maradi goat; Poultry dropping.