RUMEN METABOLITES AND MICROBIAL COUNT OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED GUINEA GRASS (PANICUM MAXIMUM) GROWN WITH DIFFERENT ORGANIC MANURE SOURCES

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate rumen metabolites and microbial counts of West African Dwarf goats fed Guinea grass grown with different organic manure sources. Sixteen (16) female West African Dwarf goat of about 5-6 months with average weight of 6.50±0.25 were randomly assigned to four treatments with four replicates in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). 60% Panicum maximum grown with different organic manure and 40% concentrate were allotted as the diet 1 (control), diet 2, 3 and 4. respectively. Rumen parameters (pH, ammonia nitrogen, acetic acids,
butyric acids, propionic acids and total volatile fatty acids) were significantly different (p<0.05) among dietary treatments except temperature. All microbial parameters were significantly (P>0.05) influenced by the experimental diets. Microbial counts were significantly (p<0.05) influenced by dietary treatments. Higher count was observed in goats fed 60% Panicum maximum and 40% concentrate diet. The value was also significantly (P>0.05) higher in goats fed 60% Panicum maximum grown with cattle manure and 40% concentrate diet. The use of organic fertilizer to grow pasture grass has the potentials to support favourable rumen ecology for better productivity of goats.