MINERAL INTAKE AND BALANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED GUINEA GRASS SUPPLEMENTED WITH MYRIANTHUS ARBOREUS LEAF MEAL CONCENTRATES

Abstract

Twelve (12) West African Dwarf bucks age 6-12 months with average live weight of 5.5kg were used to investigate the mineral intake and balance of guinea grass supplemented with Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal concentrates. Three bucks per treatment were assigned to four dietary treatments (diet A; 0.00% Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal, diet B; 10.00% Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal, diet C; 11.00% Myrianthus arboreus leaf meal, diet D; 12.00% of Myrianthus aboreus leaf meal). Results indicated that calcium intake was superior in goats fed diet C (1.16g/day) and the least value in goats fed diet B(0.83g/day). Phosphorous intake was significantly (P<0.05) influenced by the diets, with the highest value in goats fed diets B, C and D (0.09g/day) while the lowest value in goats fed diet A (0.07g/day). Potassium intake was highest (1.46g/day) in goats fed diets B and C. Sodium intake was superior (0.70g/day) in goats fed diet B.Highest calcium (0.55g/day), potassium (1.38g/day) and sodium (0.63g/day) retained were recorded in animals fed diet B, while Phosphorus retained ranged from 0.02-0.03g/day. Magnesium retention was superior (0.05g/day) in goats fed diet D. The mineral balance concentration observed in this study were adequate to support the optimum performance of the goats.