THE INFLUENCE OF VARYING RATIO OF COWPEA HUSK AND MAIZE MILLING WASTE ON THE FEED INTAKE, PROTEIN AND ENERGY UTILIZATION BY THE GOAT.

Abstract

The acceptability and efficacy of. combinations of cowpea husk (CH) and maize milling waste (MMW) as feed for the goat were tested. The experiment, in a 4x4 Latin square design involved digestion trials with 4 West African dwarf grower goats weighing 8.2 to 9.6 kg. and about 4 months old. There were 3 experimental diets made up of CH and MMW in 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 ratio of mixture. The control diet was 60 percent chopped Pennisetum purpureum plus 40 percent concentrate ration. The animals were fed at 5 percent of body weight. All trials lasted 80 days. Parameters for assessment were dry matter intake, protein and energy intakes and utilization. Feed intake values (%of body weight) in all experiemental diets were higher than 3 percent and increased with increasing levels of cowpea husk, Only the intake of 4.38% of body weight from 75:25 CH-MMW supported weight gain. Increases in MMW in the experimental diets resulted in significant (P<0.05) increases in dry matter digestibility. The crude protein intake and digestion increased with increasing inclusion of cowpea husk, but intake and utilization were not adequate at CH-MMW 25:75 and 50:50. The energy intake and utilization increased (P<0.05) across the treatment. Increasing levels of cowpea husk enhanced dry matter, energy intakes and energy utilization, Decreasing levels of cowpea, consistent with increasing MMW improved dry matter digestibility but not dry matter intake. The high crude fibre of cowpea husk is implicated. The utilization of the available energy in the mixture is limited by protein intake.