EVALUATION OF AIR-DRIED Moringa oleifera LEAF-BASED DIETS ON MILK SECRETION RATE AND OFFTAKE OF KALAHARI RED DOES IN DRY SEASON

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaf-based diets on milk secretion rate and milk offtake of lactating Kalahari Red does in dry season. A total of twenty (20), 4-years old and average weight of 39.14+1.99 kg lactating Kalahari Red does and twenty three (23) kids were randomly allotted to four treatments (A-0%, B-5%, C-10% and D-15% of air-dried MO leaves ) for a duration of 94 days (14 days of adjustment period, 84 days for the trial) in a completely randomised design. The milk offiake and milk secretion rate at various weeks of lactation in 5% and 10% inclusion levels of MO leaves were higher than that of their non-supplemented counterparts and 15% inclusion level. The milk off take in week 6 for 0%, 5% 10% and 15% were 36.66+13.39ml, 30.00£10.13mi, 91. 75422.34ml, and 17.2041.35ml (P<0.05) respectively. Milk secretion rate was significantly different (P<0.05) at week 8 where 0%, 5% 10% and 15% had 13.22+3.55ml, 16.13+6.71ml, 31.58+5.02ml and 12.33+1.09ml respectively. From the results, both milk yields and offtake were consistently highest for lactating Kalahari red does on 10% possibly because the diet had the optimum inclusion level of MO leaves which was essential for milk synthesis. The inclusion of 10%MO leaves in diets greatly enhanced milk secretion and thus recommended for use by resource farmers.