ISSN 2756-388X
International Journal of Plant and Animal Sciences ISSN: 2167-0437 Vol. 4 (1), pp. 112-117, January, 2016. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Performance and economics of production of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed crop by-products as sole feed in Cross River State, Nigeria
Omeruo F. O1*, Mokenwa D. Francis2 and Lezou F.K2
1Department of Agricultural Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Ndele Campus, P.M.B. 5047,
Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
2Department of Animal Science, University of Calabar, PMB 1115, Calabar, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E- mail: omeruo.fuju @yahoo.com
Accepted 12 March, 2013
Abstract
The performance and economics of production of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed crop by-products: T1 (yam peels), T2 (cassava peels), T3 (sweet potato peels) and T 4 (ripe plantain peels) in a completely randomized design was investigated. Four bucks were assigned to the crop by-products in four replicates for the growth and digestibility trials. The final weight and weight gain of the bucks were significantly (P < 0.05) different. The final weights in order of superiority were 10500, 10025, 9550 and 8050 g for T2, T1, T 3 and T4. The weight gain varied from 3200 to 750 g for T2 and T4. The economics of production of the bucks revealed significant (P < 0.05) differences in the parameters investigated. Judging from the cost of utilizing the crop by-products the bucks fed T2 with an affordable price portrayed higher weight gain despite the higher amounts of feed consumed. The dry matter digestibility among the bucks was significantly (P < 0.05) different. This was higher (57.98%) for the bucks fed T2. Overall results show better performance and economic benefits in the utilization of T 2 by the bucks. Hence, T2 as a basal feedstuff is recommended as a better dry season feed for Goats.
Key words: WAD bucks, performance, economics of production, crop by-products, Cross River State.