Performance and Feed Bio Economics of Growing West African Dwarf Goats Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Steam-Treated Cashew Nut Shell

Abstract

Studies on cashew (Anacardium occidentale) nut shell meal for feeding West African dwarf goats were carried out. Four diets containing 0% (control), 10%, 15% and 20% steam-treated cashew nut shell coded as T 1 , T 2 , T 3 and T 4 , respectively, were compared. Twenty growing, West African dwarf goats were randomly assigned to four (4) treatments of five (5) goats each. The goats were fed and given water ad libitum. The effects of feeding graded levels of cashew nut shell based diets on performance and, Bio-economics were evaluated. Completely randomized design was used in the experiments. Data obtained were subjected to a one way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means that were significantly different were separated using least significant difference (LSD) both contained in SPSS for window, version 16. Samples of the diets and bamboo leaves were analyzed using standard procedure. Final weight gain, total weight gain daily weight gain, (5.0g, T 4-13.00g, T 4 gW 0.75) daily supplement intake (44.65g, T 4-91.54g, T 1) and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P<0.05) different across the treatments. Values for initial weights and forage intake, were not significantly different (P>0.05). Cost of supplement reduced significantly (P<0.05) from T 1 to T 4. Cost benefit ratio ranged from 0.79 (T 2-1.63 (T 4) and showed significance differences. This study indicated that cashew nut shell could be fed to growing West African dwarf goats up to 10% level of inclusion without adverse effects on feed intake, growth performance, and feed conversion ratio. Diets containing graded levels of cashew nut shell could also provide a cheaper source of feed, and also help to reduce environmental pollution.