Nutrient Intake and Digestibility of Red Sokoto Male Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) Fed Cocoa (Theobroma cacao) Bean Shell

Abstract

Background and Aims: Cocoa bean shell (CBS) is a significant by-product of the cocoa processing industry and is produced in large volumes in cocoa-producing countries such as Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of cocoa bean shell (CBS) on nutrient intake and digestibility in Red Sokoto male goats and to determine the optimal inclusion level for improved nutrient utilisation. Study Design: Twenty-five weaned Red Sokoto male goats (bucks), with an average body weight of 9.30 kg, were used in a completely randomised design (CRD) with five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% CBS meal. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Animal Science Teaching and Research Farm between December 2023 and March 2024. Methodology: Goats were randomly assigned to five diets with varying CBS inclusion levels (0–100%). Daily nutrient intake parameters measured included dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), ash, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), acid detergent fibre (ADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicellulose, and cellulose. Nutrient digestibility was determined using standard feed and faecal collection procedures. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the effect of CBS inclusion on intake and digestibility. Results: Dietary cocoa bean shell significantly (P = 0.05) influenced nutrient intake and digestibility. Goats fed 25% CBS showed the highest overall nutrient intake and digestibility, while higher inclusion levels (≥50%) reduced nutrient utilisation. Dry matter and crude fibre digestibility were highest at moderate inclusion, whereas crude protein digestibility decreased at 100% CBS. Conclusion: Incorporating CBS at 25% of the diet optimises nutrient intake and digestibility in Red Sokoto goats. Excessive inclusion negatively affects feed utilisation, indicating that moderate CBS supplementation can serve as a practical, cost-effective strategy for small-ruminant nutrition.