Influence of Garcinia kola seed meal in diets of goats; Effect on rumen fermentation, nutrient utilisation, blood metabolites and faecal flora

Abstract

Manipulation of the gut functions with feed additives has been recognized as an important strategy for improving performance and feed efficiency in goats. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of Garcinia kola seed meal in diet supplements of goats; effect on rumen digestion, nutrient utilisation, blood metabolites and faecal flora. However, twenty-four West African dwarf male goats aged between 7 and 8 months old with mean live weight of 7.00 ± 0.38kg, were used in a completely randomized design for 84days. The goats were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments containing 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% of Garcinia kola inclusion levels. The 0% inclusion level served as the control group. Data obtained on rumen, metabolic and blood studies were analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Results obtained showed that rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids, ammonia nitrogen, acetate and propionate ratio, ether extract digestibility, nitrogen output, white blood cell, urea, cholesterol, feed intake and E. coli were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in GKA than other diets. Acetate, butyrate, neutral and acid detergent fiber were higher (P < 0.05) than diets GKA, GKC and GKD. Animals on GKC were significantly (P < 0.05) superior in propionate, digestibility of crude protein, fiber and its fractions, with nitrogen free extract, nitrogen retention, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell, total protein, glucose and weight gains. Nitrogen intake and lactobacilli were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in animals on GKD. However, significant (P > 0.05) difference did not occur in rumen temperature, digestibility of dry matter with ash, albumin, globulin, creatinine, initial with final body weight, Enterobacteria, Coliforms bacteria and total bacteria load. It was concluded that goats fed diets containing 2% and 4%Garcinia kola inclusion levels had better rumen fermentation, nutrient utilisation, blood profile and faecal flora than those fed on 0% and 6% inclusion levels.