EFFECTS OF Cyathus stercoreus-TREATED Balanite aegyptiaca SEED MEAL ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF SAHELIAN BUCKS

Abstract

This study investigated the growth performance of, Sahelian bucks (SBs) fed Cyathus stercoreus treated, biodegradable Balanite aegytiaca seed meal (TBSM) and groundnut cake (GNC). Five dietary treatments were formulated as follows: control diet (T1) 0:100, 25:75 (T2), 50:50 (T3), and 75:25 (T4) and 100:0% TBMS:GNC. A 2.5 g of Cyathus stercoreus was added to 1 kg of ground Balanite aegyptiaca seed after been dissolved in 1 L of water. Thirty healthy SBs weighing 10.93 ± 0.51 kg of body weight (BW) and aged 7 to 8 months were assigned to five treatments. This was replicated six times in a completely randomized design (CRD). The experiment lasted for 120 days, the animals were given the same amount of feed two times a day, at 7:00 and 12:00. Water was offered Adlibithum. The animals' initial weights were determined prior to the commencement of the experiment. Weekly weight measurements were then recorded. Every day, the ort was removed and weighed before new feed was given. The results showed that average final weight, daily weight gain (DWG) (gram/day), were significantly (p<0.05) affected by treatment, while there were no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the DWG of T1 (34.64 g/d) to T4 (39.94 g/d) groups. There were significant differences (p > 0.05) in the Total feed intake and the daily feed intake (DFI). The DFI was low in T5 Feed conversion ratio decreased with an increased inclusion of treated Balanite aegyptiaca seed meal (TBSM) in the goats’ diets. It can be concluded that, T5 (GNC: 0%, TBS: 100%) had a better, DWG, lower feed conversion ratio value Therefore, TBSM is recommended for Sahelian bucks.