EVALUATION OF THREE ISO-NITROGENOUS SUPPLEMENTS BASED ON LOCAL FEED RESOURCES FOR GROWTH RATE IN MALE RED SOKOTO GOATS

Abstract

Thirty male Red Sokoto goats of average liveweight of 16.40 + 0.14 were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate the efficacy of three isonitrogenous supplements or concentrate mixtures based on local feed resources for growth rate in Red Sokoto goats. The animals were blocked according to weight and allocated randomly to one of the three concentrate mixtures designated as Diet A, Diet B and Diet C. They were fed the diets individually at the rate of 2% of body weight. Feed intake and liveweight changes were measured. Fifteen of the goais were slaughtered at the end af feeding trial, and dressing percentage determined. The results indicated that the three diets promoted considerable growth rate (range, 61-79 g ADG) and appreciable dressing percent but goats fed Diet C had the least total dry matter intake, average daily gain (ADG), slaughter weight and dressing percent (P<0.05) compared to diets A and B. It is concluded tentatively that the diets formulated and compounded from locally available feed stuff has some promise in providing nutrients for an appreciable growth rate in Red Sokoto goats.