NUTRIENT INTAKE AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF DOES FED DIETS CONTAINING VARYING LEVELS OF AQUATIC FERN MEAL

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of replacing cassava peel with varying levels of aquatic fern meal (Azolla spp.) on the feed intake and growth performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Five experimental diets were formulated, incorporating aquatic fern meal (AFM) at 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% as replacements for cassava peel, thus designated as Diets A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. During the 63-day feeding trial, fifteen (15) WAD goats were randomly selected and assigned to the five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Parameters assessed included the chemical composition of the diets, nutrient intake, and growthperformance of the goats. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in the chemical composition of the diets. Crude protein levels increased from 11.25% to 13.32% as the AFM inclusion level increased, while dry matter content decreased from 89.32% to 86.40%, and crude fiber content reduced from 10.51% to 7.19%. Nutrient intake and growth performance showed no significant differences (P>0.05) among the treatments. However, goats fed Diet C had the highest dry matter intake (475.05 g/day), while protein intake ranged from 57.10 g/day to 70.04 g/day, increasing with higher levels of AFM inclusion. The highest average weight gain (77.25 g/day) and least feed conversion ratio (6.04) were observed in goats fed Diet A. These findings suggest that the inclusion of AFM as a replacement for cassava peel may not significantly enhance nutrient intake or growth performance in WAD goats.