Blood Profile of West African Dwarf Growing Bucks Fed Fungal Treated Megathyrsus Maximus and Brachiaria Decumbens Based Diets.

Abstract

Fungal treated grasses can be used as a supplementary feed for ruminants during dry seasons. A total of 24 West African dwarf (WAD) growing bucks with the average weight of 7 kg were fed with fungal treated either Brachiaria decumbens (TBD) or Megathyrsus maximus var. ntchisii (TMMN) to investigate their effects on the animals’ blood profile. The goats were allocated to six dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. The diets were offered as a total mix ration (100%) with one of the two treated forages at one of three levels (0%, 20%, 30%). Additionally, each diet contained concentrate (50%) and cassava peels (either 50% or 30%, or 20%) to a total of 100%. These diets were fed to the animals for 21 days with 14 days adaptation and the last 7 days for data collection. It appeared that the diets significantly (P < 0.05) influenced some haematological and serum biochemical parameters. The fungal treated BD and MMN at 30% inclusion maintained the animals within the expected ranges of blood profiles, indicating no apparent threat to goat wellbeing. However, animals consuming TBD diet showed better health than those fed TMMN. Therefore, 30% inclusion of TBD can be used as an alternative feedstuff in ruminant diets during the dry season.