Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization by Sokoto Red Goat Kids Fed Fore- Stomach Digesta as Replacement for Cowpea Husk

Abstract

A study was conducted to monitor the performance of Sokoto Red kids fed varying levels of Fore-stomach digesta (FSD) replacing cowpea husk at 0, 10,20 and 30 % levels of inclusion in complete experimental diets. The study lasted for 15 weeks. Results indicated that average daily gain (ADG) decreased significantly (P < 0.05) between treatment means from 76.90 g1day at 0% level of inclusion to 53.33 g/day at 30% inclusion level. The dry matter intake, crude protein intake and Cost of feed /kg liveweight gain followed similar trend with ADG. Digestibilities of nutrients were significantly (P < 0.05) better in the control diet except in crude protein digestibility whose values indicated better digestibility at the 10 % inclusion level compared to others. The study concluded that 20 % was the best inclusion level for better economic production.