Feed additive effect of Chromolaena odorata on performance of West African dwarf bucks

Abstract

Efficient rumen fermentation is necessary for improved feed utilization and animal production. The use of feed additives to improve rumen fermentation is promising. Twenty-four West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks with an average weight of 10±2kg were randomly allocated on weight equalization to four treatment diets with 0, 2, 4 and 6% C. odorata inclusion for a period of three months. Six animals per treatment were used for the study with each animal served as a replicate. Weight changes were taken weekly and digestibility study was carried out. At the end of the study blood samples were also collected for haematological and serum assay. Results showed that the addition of C. odorata to the diets influenced (p<0.05) weight gain of experimental goats with goats on diets (4% inclusion) having the highest value (6.20kg). Nutrient intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients, and nitrogen utilization by WAD goats fed experimental diets were not (p>0.05) affected by dietary inclusion of C. odorata. Haematological parameters were not differed (p>0.05) across the dietary treatments. However, serum glucose and aspartate aminotransferase increased (p<0.05) with increase in inclusion of C. odorata. It can be concluded that the use of C. odorata as an additive at 4% inclusion increased weight gain of goats with normal blood ranges indicating no negative effect of goats' health.