EFFECTS OF FEEDING UREA TREATED ENSILED COWPEA HUSK BASED DIETS ON FEED INTAKE AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RED SOKOTO GOATS

Abstract

Eighteen healthy growing male goats (13.40 ± 0.59 kg BW) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the inclusion of urea treated ensiled cowpea husk (UTECH) at 0, 35 and 70% to replace 0, 50 and 100% of dried brewers' grains (DBG). Daily intakes of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, total carbohydrate and neutral detergent fibre were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by diets. Intakes of ether extract and non-fibre carbohydrate were higher (P < 0.05) for the 0% (control) relative to 35 and 70% UTECH. Mineral intake progressively decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing level of UTECH in the diet. Diet effects on the linear body measurements and testicular morphology of the goats were not (P > 0.05) significant. It is concluded that 70% inclusion level of UTECH in goat ration was well tolerated, as voluntary intake and morphological parameters were not affected.