Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Bucks Fed Different Forms of Processed Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum)
G. D. Eyoh*, M. D. Udo, C. P. Edet
Department of Animal Science, Akwa Ibom State University, P.M.B., Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Corresponding author’s email: gloryeyoh5@gmail.com
DOI : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.7.2.13
Article Publishing History
Received: 20/10/2018
Accepted: 20/04/2019
Published Online: 10/05/2019
Review Details
Reviewed by: Dr. Sunday Omotoso
Second Review by: Dr. Essam Soliman
Final Approval by: Dr. Jacobs Mobolade
Abstract:
An experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf bucks fed different types of processed Panicum maximum. Twelve West African Dwarf bucks aged between 6 and 8 months with initial mean weight of 7.26 kg were intensively managed for 56 days. The experimental diets are wilted Panicum maximum, fresh Panicum maximum, ensiled Panicum maximum and Panicum maximum Hay designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The results revealed that goats placed on wilted Panicum maximum (T1) (135.18g/day) and hay, (T4) (139.29g/day) were similar in respect to concentrate intake. Forage intake showed significant (P<0.05) differences. Goats fed wilted Panicum (T1) (607.78g/day) and fresh Panicum maximum (T2) (634.46g/day) had similar intake but differed from goats placed on ensiled Panicum maximum (T3) and hay Panicum maximum (T4). Daily dry matter intake (DMI) differed (P<0.05) significantly among treatments. Total daily feed intake of goats on wilted Panicum maximum (T1) (42.96g/day) and fresh Panicum maximum (T2) (759.80g/day) were similar and differed from total daily feed intake of goats placed on ensiled Panicum maximum(564.28g/day) and Hay Panicum maximum484g/day. Goats fed wilted Panicum maximum produced higher value of live weight which did not differ (P>0.05) from other treatments.Bucks on fresh Panicum maximum (T2) had higher value of bled weight (7.40kg) but did not significantly differ (P>0.05). Heavier dressed weight (35.62) was recorded by goats fed wilted Panicum maximum (T1) but did not significantly differ (P>0.05) from other treatments. Dressing percentages, thigh, loin, internal organs and bone to lean ratio were not significantly different (P>0.05) from each other. The use of Panicum maximum in any form has no effect on conversion of forage into meat and formation of any part.
Keywords:
Carcass Evaluation; Pancum Maximum; Processing Methods; West African Dwarf Buck
Copy the following to cite this article: Eyoh G. D, Udo M. D, Edet C. P. Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Bucks Fed Different Forms of Processed Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum).Curr Agri Res 2019;7(2). doi : http://dx.doi.org/10.12944/CARJ.7.2.13 |
Copy the following to cite this URL: Eyoh G. D, Udo M. D, Edet C. P. Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Bucks Fed Different Forms of Processed Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum).Curr Agri Res 2019;7(2). Available from: https://bit.ly/2WygnGh |
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