Comparative growth response and nutrient utilization of Sahelian and Red Sokoto bucks supplemented with Leucaena leucocephala

Abstract

A research was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing rice straw with dried Leucaena leucocephala leaves to improve nutrient intake and growth performance of two different goat breeds. The experiment consists of Twelve (12) growing Sahelian  and Red Sokoto bucks with an average weight of 14.0 ± 2.2 kg randomly assigned to four treatment groups: Treatment I consisted of Sahelian goats fed Rice straw, Treatment II comprised of Red Sokoto bucks fed Rice straw, Treatment III consisted of Sahelian goats fed L. leaves supplement while Treatment IV consisted of Red Sokoto bucks fed Leucaena leaves supplement. All the experimental animals were fed a concentrated diet of 3 % body weight. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with three replications for 84 days. Data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test used to separate significant means.at a 5% level. The result obtained revealed a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the nutrients intake and growth parameters of the experimental animals. The result indicated significant improvement in average daily weight gain, final weight gain, DMI, CPI, CFI, EEI, ASHI, NFEI, ADFI, NDFI and feed efficiency among the experimental animals compared to their controls. Thus, Leucaena leucocephala leaves supplements were recommended for feeding Red Sokoto bucks.