Abstract 42

Okeke,-GC; Oji,-UI

Department of Animal Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria.

Goat production in the humid tropics. Proceedings of a workshop at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, 20-24 July 1987 [edited by Smith, O.B.; Bosman, H.G.]. 1988, 101-106. Wageningen, Netherlands; Pudoc.

Panicum maximum and Pueraria phaseoloides was ensiled with cassava peel and poultry excreta in the ratio 60:20:20, respectively. In a digestibility trial 8 male West African Dwarf goats, 15 kg, were fed for 28 days on diets containing maize silage and wet brewers' grains (control) or the grass/cassava peel/excreta silage. Rumen fluid and blood samples were taken at 0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 h after feeding. Goats ate grass silage 427.8 and maize silage 431 g DM/day. Digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and nitrogen-free extract did not differ between diets but maize silage had higher (P < 0.05) digestibility of DM and crude fibre. Blood urea N and blood glucose concentrations were not affected by diet. Blood thiocyanate concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in goats given grass silage. Rumen fluid ammonia N, pH and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were similar for both diets, except at 4 h when total VFA was higher for maize silage. Rumen fluid osmolality was higher (P < 0.05) immediately after feeding for grass silage. Results indicated normal rumen function. It is concluded that grass ensiled with cassava peel and poultry excreta can sustain ruminants during the dry season.