Abstract

Effect of feeding Etanda africana seed meal on the consumption, weight gain and digestion of West African dwarf (WAD) goats (n=15) were determined in a 56 day feeding trial using a completely randomized experimental design. The E. africana seed meal replaced either 50 or 100% of the soybean meal in diets B and C respectively, while diet A (control) contained 15% soybean meal. Other ingredients in the supplement included rice husks 20%, palm kernel 10%, vitamin-mineral premix 1% and salt 1%. Total dry matter intake and ether extract intake were similar among diets; however, the ether extract intake of diet C was numerically higher compared to the other diets. Conversely, the lignin intake and crude fibre intake were higher for diet C compared to other diets (A and B). Average daily weight gain was similar across the three diets. Digestibilities of crude protein and lignin were greater for diet A (control) than for diets containingE. africana seed meal (P < 0.05). However, digestibilities of crude fibre, ether extract, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre were similar (P > 0.05) in all the three diets. The results of this trial suggest that E. africana seed meal can replace soybean meal in the diet of growing WAD goats.

Key words: Etanda africana seed meal, feed intake, weight gain, digestibility coefficient, soybean meal, WAD goat.