Effect of Cocktail of Fungi Blend on the Digestibility Coefficient and Digestible Nutrients of Goat (Capra hircus)

Abstract

Nine West African dwarf goats (3 goats per diet) initially averaging between 4.5 and 6.5kg body weight, were fed either Jatropha curcas untreated diet A (control), 50% cocktail of fungi blend treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake (diet B) and 100% cocktail of fungi blend treated Jatrpoha curcas kernel cake (diet C) adlibitum for 56 days followed by a 7 day total faecal collection. All the diets have a crude protein content of between 17.99 and 19.23%. Total dry matter intake (TDMI) (543.25 – 606.25g/d) showed significant differences among the diets (p<0.05). The digestibility coefficient of dry matter which was similar (p>0.05) among the diets ranged between 91.84% and 94.31%. The digestibility of crude protein was numerically highest for diet B and least for other diets (A and C). The digestible dry matter intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher for diet B compared to other diets. The digestibility of crude fibre and ether extract followed same trend as other nutrients. The digestible crude protein intake was 481.6g/d (A), 544.63g/d (B) and 472.6g/d (C). The digestible crude fibre intake was greater (p<0.05) for diet B (576.25) followed closely by diet A (520.5g/d) and C (516.75g/d). Digestible ether extract intake tended (p<0.05) to be lower for goat fed diet C (500.00g/d) compared with diet A and diet B which were similar (p>0.05). In conclusion, inclusion of cocktail of fungi blend Jatropha curcas kernel cake in a mixed ration appear to be viable feed ingredient for goat diet.