Scientific Research and Essays Vol. 2 (11), 496-498, November 2007 
ISSN 1992-2248 © 2007 Academic Journals

Short Communication

Performance characteristics of West African dwarf goat fed Rhizopus treated sawdust

Belewu, M. A.* and Popoola, M. A.

Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory, Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: milkyinka@yahoo.com. Tel: 2348077942294 or 2348020594079.

Accepted 10 May, 2007

Abstract

Feed intake and weight gain of West African dwarf (WAD) goats consuming Rhizopus treated sawdust were determined. 27 WAD goats in a 3 x 3 Latin square design with a 196 day period consumed normal diet with 20% untreated sawdust (Treatment 1, control), while Treatments 2 and 3 contained fungus treated sawdust at 20 and 25%, respectively. Crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract consumed increased (P < 0.05) by the addition of the fungus treated sawdust for Treatment 3. In contrast, the lignin intake was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Treatments 2 and 3. The weight gain of the experimental animals was highest in Treatment 3. In conclusion, fungus treated sawdust-based diet for growing WAD goats may improve performance as a result of increasing feed intake and live weight gain.

Key words: Rhizopus oligosporus, feed intake, weight gain, solid state fermentation