RESPONSE OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS TO THE ADDITIVE IMPACT OF BLACK SUNFLOWER (Helianthus annuus) SEEDS IN THE DIET

Abstract

This study evaluated black sunflower seed (BSS) as a dietary additive in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Nutrient intake, apparent nutrient digestibility, nitrogen retention, rumen fermentation characteristics, rumen microbial populations, haematological indices and serum biochemical indices were evaluated. Fifteen WAD goats were randomly allocated to three treatments of five goats each in a completely randomized design. The treatments included 0 g BSS/100 kg (T1), 25 g BSS/100 kg (T2), and 50 g BSS/100 kg (T3). The feeding trial lasted for eight weeks. Data were collected and subjected to one-way analysis of variance and separated at a 5% significance level. The Dry matter intake, Crude protein intake, Dry matter digestibility, Crude protein digestibility, and Nitrogen Retention were highest in T3. 172.90g/day, 26.75g/day, 88.52%, 88.37%, and 73.41g/day were recorded, respectively, in T3. The rumen microbial population, Total Bacteria count, and Total Fungi Count were highest in T3 and recorded as 8.20 cfu/ml × 10^6 and 3.20 cfu/ml × 10^3. The Total Volatile acid, Acetic acid, Pack Celled Volume, and Haemoglobin concentration were highest in T1. 129.21mmole/100ml, 9.11mmole/100ml, 38%, and 12.15g/dL were recorded respectively in T1. Glucose and Globulin were highest in T2, recording 68.50mg/dLand 3.60g/dLrespectively. Among the treatment diets, 50g/100kg BSS is hereby recommended as an additive in WAD goat diets, as it improved their performance.