Effect of feeding Pennisetum purpereum supplemented with concentrates on growth performance, carcass and non carcass evaluation of weaners west African dwarf buck

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance, carcass, and non-carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed Pennisetum purpureum (Napier grass) supplemented with formulated concentrates. Sixteen weaner WAD bucks, aged 3-4 months, were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments included: T1 (control) – 100% Napier grass, T2 – 50% Napier grass + 50% concentrate, T3 – 30% Napier grass + 70% concentrate, and T4 – 10% Napier grass + 90% concentrate. The feeding trial lasted for 12 weeks, with measurements of feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR). At the end of the study, carcass and non-carcass components were evaluated. Results showed that higher concentrate levels significantly improved growth performance. Bucks in T4 exhibited the highest average weight gain (0.55 kg/week), feed intake, and feed efficiency, with the lowest FCR (6.73). Carcass characteristics, including carcass weight, dressing percentage, and rib eye area, were significantly higher in T4 compared to the control (T1). Organ weights (liver, kidney, heart) increased with higher concentrate supplementation, while gut fill decreased, suggesting improved digestion efficiency. In conclusion, supplementing Pennisetum purpureum with concentrates improved growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass traits in WAD bucks. This feeding strategy is sustainable for enhancing livestock productivity in tropical regions where forage quality is a constraint.

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SVU-International Journal of Agricultural Sciences
Volume 6, Issue 4
October 2024
Pages 55-68

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