Performance and serum biochemical parameters of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed unripe plantain peels as replacement for maize

In a sixteen-week trial, the performance and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (5-7 months old) fed unripe plantain peels (UPP) as a replacement for maize were evaluated. The animals were randomly allotted to five treatments in a completely randomized design. Five concentrate diets were compounded with the inclusion of UPP at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels respectively. The diets were fed to the animals at 3% of their body weights. The results showed that proximate and fibre fractions of the concentrate diets increased with increase in the inclusion of UPP. The daily gain of 0%UPP was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to other diets. The crude protein and crude fibre digestibility of animals fed diets 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%UPP were significantly higher (P<0.05) than 0%UPP.The total cholesterol (mg/dl) levels of the animals fed diets 25% up to 100%UPPwere significant lower (p<0.05) than 0%UPP diet. It could be concluded that UPP as substitute for maize improved performances and had no deleterious effect on serum biochemical parameters of WAD goats.Key words: unripe plantain peels, performance, serum, biochemica

Blood metabolites and carcass characteristics of West African dwarf goats fed bread waste and Moringa oleifera leaf

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Feed intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of graded levels of moringa and bamboo leaves by West African Dwarf Goats.

Feed intake, nutrient digesti==bility and nitrogen utilization studies were carried out on Moringa oleifera (M) and Oxytenanthera abysinnica (bamboo) (B) leaves as follows; 100M, 75M:25B, 50M:50B 25M:75B and 100B, with 20 WAD goats, using a randomized complete block design. Moringa inclusion at all levels significantly (

Effects of moringa and bamboo leaves on groundnut hay utilization by West African Dwarf goats

Research results show that Moringa substitution improved the overall nutrient utilization of groundnut hay by goats (West African Dwarf), as indicated by a significant positive effect on total digestible nutrients. This study was designed to assess the intake, nitrogen utilization, and in vivo nutrient digestibility of Moringa oleifera (MOR) and Oxytenanthera abyssinica bamboo (BAM) leaves in equal combinations with groundnut hay for livestock feeding. A sole groundnut hay diet served as the reference diet

Preliminary evaluation of Moringa oleifera and Oxytenanthera abyssinica (bamboo) leaves as feed supplements for ruminants.

Moringa oleifera (M) and Oxytenanthera abyssinica (bamboo; B) leaves were evaluated as follows; 100%M, 75%M:25%B, 50%M:50%B, 25%M:75%B and 100%B, as feed supplements for ruminants. In-vitro gas production volumes (+/-polyethylene glycol, PEG) were measured to evaluate the effects of probable condensed tannins. OMD (%), ME (MJ/kg DM) and SCFA (mmol/40ml) were predicted. All the fodder combinations contained more than 8%CP; the minimum necessary to provide the minimum NH3 levels required by rumen microorganisms. Moringa inclusion at all levels resulted in ADF and NDF values that could promote voluntary dry matter intake and its digestibility. Significant (

Moringa oleifera-horticulture-livestock integration approach to improving incomes and livelihoods of women farmers : the Gambian experience

Gambian women farmers acquired moringa cultivation training along with utilization of appropriate technologies, subsequently integrating these into their farming systems. The moringa-horticulture-livestock integration scheme increased income generation from sales of animal products, improved food and feed supply along with in-situ production of organic manure, while reducing costs of production and creating positive impacts on soil and water systems. Networks that could enhance the scheme’s gains were established. The project demonstrates the importance of research and technology development on the empowerment process of women, who benefitted from skills training, and increased income and food security