Supplementation Effect of Different Levels of African Peach (Nauclea latifolia) Leaf Meal on the Performance of West African Dwarf Goats

Abstract

The need to enhance animal protein intake and promote safe meat production has sparked the interest on the use of natural and consumer-accepted phytogenic feed additives. Information on the utilization of Nauclea latifolia leaf meal (NLLM) as phytogenic feed additive in goat production is scanty. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of NLLM on nutrient intake, body weight changes, haematology and serum biochemistry of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Twenty-four WAD buckkids between ten and twelve months old were randomly divided into four groups of six goats each. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 10, 20, and 30 % dietary inclusion levels of NLLM, respectively. The groups were randomly assigned to the four experimental diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) for 105 days in a completely randomized design. Supplement dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the treatment groups (T2, T3, and T4). Basal DMI was significantly (p < 0.05) increased in T1. Total DMI (expressed as g/d or g/kgW0.75) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased among the treatment groups. Supplement DMI as percentage of body weight (DMI % BW), Total DMI % BW and Total DMI % BW (g/kgW0.75) were significantly influenced (p < 0.05) with T1 having lower value in comparison with other groups. Crude protein, ether extract, ash, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin intakes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher among the treatment groups. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) improved at the treatment groups. Blood parameters showed significant (p < 0.05) differences for packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cells, lymphocyte, neutrophil, globulin, cholesterol, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Conclusively, supplementing WAD goats diets with NLLM improved nutrient intake, weight gain, haematological and serum biochemical parameters, hence NLLM could be included up to 30 % in goat diets without any deleterious effect.