FEED POTENTIALS AND EFFECT OF SOUR SOP (Annona muricata) LEAF MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT

Abstract

A 63 day study was conducted to evaluate the feed potentials and effect of Sour sop (Annona muricata) leaf meal (AMLM) on growth performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) weaner goats. Chemical analysis of Annona muricata leaf meal showed high values of metabolisable energy, dry matter, ash, and crude fiber of 2563.5Kcal/Kg, 93.91%, 10.62% and 16.20% respectively, a relatively high level of nitrogen free extract (42.39) and crude protein (20.41) which indicates that Annona muricata is suitable for feeding ruminants. Nine (9) WAD goats were grouped into three and assigned three diets containing 0%, 10%, and 20% Annona leaf meal. Formulated feeds were offered at 3% of body weight in the morning and Gmelina leaves later in the day. Feed intake was recorded daily while weight gain was weekly. At the end of the study, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were determined, results showed that feed intake was significantly higher in group 1(0%AMLM) and lower in group 3(20%AMLM). However, no significant (P>0.05) differences were observed among the groups on weight gain and feed conversion ratio proving that the diet treatment had no significant effect on the goats. Therefore, Annona muricata leaf meal can be used in goat's, diets without compromising performance.