Effect of Gmelina leaf meal diets on productive and physiological parameters of West African dwarf goats

Abstract

Abstract. West African Dwarf (WAD) goat plays an important socio-economic role, hence the effect of 82 days of feeding Gmelina leaf meal (GLM) diets on feed intake, body weight change and blood indices of WAD goats were investigated. A total of 36 WAD goats averaging 9.04 kg in weight were randomly divided into four groups of nine goats each with three goats constituting a replicate. The groups were randomly assigned four experimental diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4, containing GLM at 0%, 12%, 24% and 36%, respectively) in a completely randomized design. Results indicated significant (p<0.05) improvement for body weights and feed conversion ratio for T2, T3, and T4. There was significant difference (p<0.05) for all the haematological parameters except packed cell volume (PCV). White blood cells (WBC) increased in their number (p<0.05) with incremental levels of GLM in the diets. All the serum biochemical indices showed significant (p<0.05) difference with glucose and cholesterol concentration reduced (p<0.05) with incremental levels of GLM. It could be concluded that GLM can be included in the diets of goats up to 36% without deleterious effects on the productive and physiological indices of WAD goats.

Direct and residual effects of Azanza garckeana (Goron tula) fruit on the Growth and Internal organ histology of New Zealand White rabbit bucks

“…This strategy has been adopted due to some inferences and assumptions that some of these plant based products can improve growth, animal physiology and reproduction. Some plant products utilized in livestock feeding can be harmful to the liver and kidney, and detrimental to the overall physiology of an animal; if these plants contain toxic substances (Emenalom, et al, 2009;Jiwuba, et al, 2020). As such, the depth of information on the toxicity, doses and safe limits of these plant products needs to be ascertain.…”

Nutrient intake, body weight gain, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of West African dwarf goats fed Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaf meal

“…Goat production is seen as a dependable enterprise with the potential to satisfy the world's rising need for animal protein in developing countries (Okunade et al, 2014). Jiwuba et al (2020) The plant is hairy and glandular, and when crushed, the leaves release a strong, aromatic odour. It is a multipurpose evergreen shrub with considerable leaf yield in both wet and dry seasons.…”