Effects of mixed Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meal in Digitaria smutsii Hay based diets on the performance of pregnant Red Sokoto Does and their Kids

Abstract

Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meals combined in ratio 75:25 and included at 0, 10, 20 and 30% in Digitaria smutsii hay based complete diets were fed to pregnant Red Sokoto does to investigate effect of the graded levels of the mixed forage on the dry matter intake, live weight, pregnancy of the does and birth weight of their kids. Twenty-four pregnant Red Sokoto does aged between 13 and 14 months with an average weight of 22.50 ±0.12 kg were randomly assigned to four treatments with six does (in their last trimester of pregnancy) per treatment in a completely randomized design. The diets were offered at 4% of body weight. Results indicated that mixed Gmelina arborea and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (GMMO) increased dry matter intake of the does and birth weight of their kids. Dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in does fed 20% leaf meal. Birth weight was significantly higher (P<0.05) in does fed 20% and 30% GMMO leaf meal (1.58 kg and 1.68 kg) respectively. GMMO leaf meal did not affect the dams’ weight after kidding. It can be concluded that mixed Gmelina and Moringa leaf meal can be included in the diets of pregnant Red Sokoto does for improved dry matter intake and birth weight of their kids. GMMO leaf meal inclusion did not have adverse effect on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of pregnant does.