EFFECT OF ANTI-NUTRITIONAL FACTORS ON RUMEN BACTERIA OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED TROPICAL BROWSE SPECIES AND CROP BY-PRODUCTS

Abstract

In this study, the effects of anti-nutritional factors on rumen bacteria of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed tropical browse species and crop by-products were investigated. In a completely randomized design, 36 WAD goats were allotted to six (6) supplemental diets (Gmelina arborea, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Albizia saman, Maize offal, Cassava peels and Palm kernel cake), with six replicates per treatment.  Animals were fed for 84 days with Panicum maximum as basal diet. Results revealed the presence of anti-nutritional components in supplemental browse species and crop residues.  Hydrocyanide was highest (P<0.05) in cassava peels while tannin content was highest (P<0.05) in the browse species relative to the crop residues.  Results also showed reduction in microbial population in goats fed Gmelina arborea, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Albizia saman, Cassava peels and Palm kernel cake.  Goats on maize offal supplemented diet showed increases in microbial population.  Adverse effects of anti-nutritional content in feeds fed to animals were not detected in terms of intake and weight gain performances.  The reduction in microbial population in the rumen, however, indicates possibilities of bactericidal effect with feeding diets containing anti-nutritional components.