Effects of Biuret Supplementation of Low Quality <i>Panicum maximum</i> Hay Ration on the West African Dwarf Goat

Abstract

Growth and digestibility trial was carried out to study the effect of varying levels of biuret intake on the feeding value of low quality Panicum maximum hay (5.7%CP, 46.8%CF) in the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat. Sixteen (16) male WAD goats (4-6 months old) with average initial live weight of 8.9±2.64kg were divided into four equal groups in a completely randomized design. Each group was fed Panicum maximum hay ad libitum supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0g/goat/day biuret that was carried in 50g ground maize. Dry matter intake was higher (P<0.05) for goats fed 5.0 or 10.0g/day biuret than for those receiving 2.5g/day biuret or the control. Digestibility of dry matter or crude fibre was significant (P<0.05) enhanced by the effect of 10.0g/day biuret supplement which also caused significant (P<0.05) increase in serum urea-nitrogen concentration in the goats. Effects of biuret supplementation on crude Protein digestibility, serum total protein concentration or glucose level were not significant (P<0.05). It was concluded that a dietary intake of biuret could influence the feeding value of low-quality Panicum maximum hay to the WAD goat. A 10g/goat/day level of biuret intake was found to be optimum in the present study.

JARD Vol. 3 2004: pp. 21-26