Effects of Replacing Maize Offal With Dried Sweet Orange Peel Meal on the Performance and Blood Profile of West African Dwarf Goats

Abstract

A total of nine grower West African dwarf (WAD) goats aged 5-6 months and weighing between 6.93 - 7.00kg were randomly divided into 3 groups of 3 animals each and housed individually in concrete floor compartments. Three experimental diets A, B and C were formulated and randomly allocated to the 3 animal groups in a completely randomized design. The diets were formulated to contain 0%,65% and 70% dried sweet orange peel meal (DSOPM). These were used to feed the goats for 12 weeks. Results show that performance parameters measured were similar (p>0.05) among the treatments. The mean daily feed intake values were 300.10g, 314.70g and 369.05g/day and the mean daily weight gains were 11.19g, 33.50g and 40.68g for treatment A, B and C respectively. There was also no treatment effect (p>0.05) on both the haematological and serum biochemical indices measured. Dried sweet orange peel meal can be used to replace maize offal up to 70% level without harmful effect on growth and the blood profile of goats.