In the tropics, native pastures and crop residues constitute the major feed resources for ruminants. There are available seasonally and of low quality. They contribute to the limitation of ruminant production which is predominantly managed by small holders. Enterolobium cyclocarpum (EC) is a hardy multipurpose tree (MPT) that has potential as supplement for ruminant feeding. However, anti nutritional factors (ANFs) contained in the leaves of EC could have negative effects on its nutritive value. Fungal biodegradation by solid substrate fermentation (SSF) of four ANFs namely: tannin, saponin, phytic acid and oxalate in leaves of EC was investigated. Aspergillus niger was used to inoculate whole leave samples of the EC. The levels of ANFs in the leaf substrates were estimated after 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Inoculation of the whole leaf samples of the EC with A. niger caused reductions in the ANFs. Percentage reduction in EC was 42.7%, 28.7%, 25.5%, and 26.5% for tannins, saponins, phytic and oxalate respectively. At the same time, it significantly (p<0.05) increased crude protein levels in the leaves of EC up to day 14 beyond which there was no further significant increase. The results of ether extract, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) showed decrease as period of fermentation increased. It could be concluded from this study that the solid state fermentation of whole leaves of E. cyclocarpum by A. niger was sufficient to degrade antinutritional factors and caused significant improvement in the substrate nutrient composition. The reduction in antinutritional factors: tannins, saponins, phytic acid and oxalate, protein enrichment and simultaneous degradation of fibrous fractions (ADF and NDF) and ether extract showed the importance of fungal fermentation in improving the nutritive value of MPTs.
The potential of selected forages was evaluated using West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Six forages namely, Andropogon tectorum, Panicum maximum, Aspilia Africana, Gmelina arborea, Alchornea cordifolia and Bambusa vulgaris designated as T1 to T6, respectively were the only feed source used for the study. Thirty West African Dwarf goats aged 8 to 9 months, with an average bodyweight of 9.17 to 10.10 kg were used for the study. The goats were assigned to six treatment groups based on the forages used in a completely randomized design. The results obtained showed significant (p<0.05) differences for average total weight gain and feed dry matter intake. Animals on Aspilia africana (T3) recorded the highest (1120.18 g/day) feed dry matter intake whereas Panicum maximum (T1) had the lowest 890.30 g/day. Andropogon tectorum (T1) and Gmelina arborea (T4) recorded 410.0 g each for average total weight gain. Initial haematology and serum indices had no significant (p>0.05) differences in the parameters tested. However, the PCV values were reduced in the final haematological profile. Similarly, carcass characteristics had no (p>0.05) significant differences among the treatment means. Animal on Andropogon tectorum (T1) gave the best (50.29%) dressing percentage with the least (40.47%) in Panicum maximum (T2). It can be concluded that performance of West African Dwarf goats can be better if the forages are offered in combination at equal amounts.
The potential of grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus temminck) as a source of animal protein can be exploited with better understanding of its nutrient requirement. An experiment was conducted to determine the protein requirement of lactating grasscutters fed agro-industrial by-products namely; wheat offal and soybean meal. Sixteen 13 months old lactating grasscutters, in groups of four, were randomly allotted to four treatment diets formulated to respectively supply 10, 14, 18 and 22% crude protein (CP). Performance in respect of weight of does at end of lactation, daily weight gain of pups, daily weight gain of doe and litter, weaning weight of pups, feed conversion ratio, and cost to gain ratio, were significantly (P<0.05) higher on the 22% CP diet. The daily weight loss of does and percentage mortality among pups were significantly lower on the 22% CP diet. Though the percentage mortality among pups was significantly (P<0.05) higher, the litter size weaned was significantly (P<0.05) higher on the 18% diet. Given the overall economic importance of low mortality rate in the expansion of farm animal populations and profitability thereof, these results suggest that 22% is the optimum crude protein level for lactating grasscutters, when industrial by-products, soybean meal and wheat offal, are used as dietary supplements.
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