ISSN 2167-0447
International Journal of Agricultural Sciences ISSN: 2167-0447 Vol. 16 (5), pp. 001-004, May, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Microbially Upgraded Jatropha curcas Kernel Cake: Impact on Goat Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility
Belewu,M.A and Akande, B.A
Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, University of Ilorin, Nigeria
Accepted 05 March, 2026
This study was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of fungi treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake on feed intake, weight gain /loss , digestibility coefficient and blood parameters of West African dwarf goat. Five diets were formulated with diet A (control, without Jatropha curcas kernel cake); B (50% Penicillium treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake +50% Soybean cake), C (50% Aspergillus niger treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake + 50% Soybean cake), D (100%Penicillium treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake ) and E (100% Aspergillus niger treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake). The animals (n=15) were randomized against the experimental diets in a completely randomized design model for a 56 day period. The results revealed highest crude protein intake for diet A and the least for diet E. The ether extract (EE) and crude fibre (CF) consumption were significantly higher for the control diet (A) compared to the fungi treated based diets. The crude protein digestibility was highest in diet A and least in diet C. The serum and haematological values are within the normal range for goat. It was concluded that West African dwarf goat can be fed a diet consisting of 50% Aspergillus niger treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake /or 50% Penicillium treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake in a mixed ration.
Keywords: Aspergillus niger, Penicillum sp, feed intake, digestibility coefficient, blood parameters