EFFICIENCIES OF CONVERSION OF SOME LIGNOCELLULOSIC WASTE MATERIALS BY GOATS

The ability of the goat to utilise some lignocellulosic materials was assessed. Fifteen West African dwarf goats comprising non-pregnant, non-lactating females, intact (uncastrated) males and castrated male goats were involved in digestion and growth studies. The lignocellulosic materials were Leucaena leaf meal, yam peels and cocoa bean shells, together making up 92% of the total diet. The diet had 24% crude protein. Data were collected on DM feed intake, weight grain, nutrient digestibilities and feed/gain ratio. The coefficient of digestibilities of the nutrients were not appreciably different (P > 0.05) between the groups of goats studied. The feed nutrient digestibilities (%) were: dry matter, 56.7; crude protein, 61.7; crude fibre, 30.7, ether extract, 99.6 and nitrogen-free extract, 67.8. The low crude-fibre digestibility was suggested to be due to the source and quality of the dietary fibre. Weight gains were between 122 and 139 g/day and were impressive. The feed conversion was 170 g weight gain per kg of feed intake for the female and intact goats, and 200 g weight gain per kg of feed for the castrates. The experimental ration was considered fit for a goat fattening programme. Castration was suggested to obtain a higher efficiency of feed conversion.