Abstract:
This study investigated the
growth performance, nitrogen balance, and
economics of production of Red Sokoto
bucks (RSBs) fed Saccharomyces cerevisiaetreated,
biodegradable groundnut haulms
(SCGH) and dried cassava peels (DCP). Four
dietary treatments were formulated including
a control diet (T1; 0% SCGH:DCP) and DCP
in combination with SCGH at the different
proportions of 275:695 (T2), 375:595 (T3),
and 475:495 (T4) g/kg of dry matter (DM). A
combination of 5 g and 50 g of yeast as a
probiotic and molasses, respectively, were
added to 1 kg of GH after been dissolved in 1
L of water. Twelve healthy RSBs weighing 9.5
± 0.40 kg of body weight (BW) and aged 7 to
8 months were exposed to four treatments.
This was replicated three times in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment
lasted for 90 days. The average final weight,
average daily weight gain (gram/day),
nitrogen intake, and nitrogen balance were
significantly influenced by the inclusion of
DCP and SCGH in the diets. There was no
significant difference (p > 0.05) between the
ADG of T1 (58.20 g/d) and the T4 (58.89 g/d)
groups. Feed conversion ratio and feed-cost
saving ($630.80) increased with the inclusion
of DCP and SCGH in the goats’ diets. In
conclusion, T4 (SCGH: 475g, DCP: 495g)
had a better chemical composition, ADG,
nitrogen balance, and feed-cost saving;
therefore, SCGH are recommended and are
readily available agricultural wastes that can
be fed to RSBs to improve performance and
nitrogen utilization in a cost-effective way,
especially during dry season.
