Effects of feeding dried orange pulp fortified with and without probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress biomarkers in Red Sokoto goats

Abstract

This study examined the effects of feeding 30% dried orange pulp (DOP), both with and without the probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress indicators of Red Sokoto goats. Four dietary treatments (T1: Control; T2: 0% DOP + 1% Probiotic; T3: 30% DOP without Probiotic; T4: 30% DOP + 1% probiotic) were randomly assigned to twelve goats, aged four to five months in a feeding experiment lasting 70 days. The result revealed that DOP successfully replaced traditional energy source maize offal. Although initial and end body weights varied greatly, there were no significant variations in overall weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio between treatments. Notably, showing the lowest levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol, the combination of 30% DOP and probiotics (T4) greatly enhanced lipid regulation. DOP inclusion up to 30% did not compromise antioxidant defence mechanisms, as shown by the lack of significant changes in oxidative stress indicators (MDA, GPx, and CAT). According to the findings of this study, dried orange pulp is a sustainable and nutritious substitute feed source that can provide Red Sokoto goats with extra metabolic advantages when combined with probiotics in their feed rations.