Effect of energy graded levels on live weight and nutrient digestibility of pregnant Red Sokoto Goat

Abstract

The aims of the study were to determine the effect of energy graded levels on live weight and nutrient digestibility of pregnant red Sokoto goat. A total of twenty (20) yearlings red Sokoto does were synchronized for pregnancy using a buck. The animals were divided into four treatment groups of five (5) animals each containing four graded energy levels of 2,400, 2,200, 2,000 and 1800 kcal/kg ME in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and were given to the animals ad-libitum. The result revealed that 1800 to 2,400 kcal/kg ME were acceptable to pregnant does, although there were no significant differences (P>0.05) observed between treatment means in terms of final weight, average daily gain (ADG), feed intake, dry matter as percentage body weight and feed conversion ratio (FCR) despite numerical differences exist that are not statistically (P>0.05) significant. The crude fibre, either extract (EE), ash, nitrogen free extract, acid detergent fibre, lignin and energy intake of the pregnant does were significantly (P<0.05) affected by different energy levels. The use of energy graded levels on live weight and nutrient digestibility of pregnant red Sokoto goats has beneficial effect of nutrient digestibility. The present study showed that crude fibre either extract, ash, nitrogen free extract, acid detergent fibre increased significantly as the level of energy increases. This indicates that inclusion of energy graded levels increases nutrient digestibility with increases of energy. Therefore, this study recommends the use of 2400 kcal ME/Kg and 2200 Kcal ME/Kg energy level for pregnant Red Sokoto doe.