CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND INPUT USE EFFICIENCYOF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED VARIED FUNGI TREATED CASSAVA ROOT SIEVATE BASED DIETS

Abstract

The study aimed at determining the effect of Pleurotus tuber-regium treated cassava root sievate based diets on carcass characteristics and input use efficiency of West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Sixteen WAD bucks between six and eight months old were randomly divided into four groups of four goats each. The groups were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) for 90 days in a completely randomized design. Warm carcass weight, dressing percentage, loin and set weights were significantly (p<0.05) increased at T3 and T4. Total cost of feed was highest (p<0.05) in T4 (N2278.13) with the corresponding lowest value in T1 (N1763.70). Feed cost/weight gain was highest for T1 (N489.92) and lowest for T4 (N325.45).Cost-benefit ratio showed significant (p<0.05) differences with T4 having the best value. Incorporation of PTRCRS in diets of WAD bucks generally enhanced dressing percentage and cost/benefit ratio. Diet T4 promoted the best relative performance among the treatment diets and is therefore recommended for production of goat in South East Nigeria.