Performance and economics of production of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed crop by-products as sole feed in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

The performance and economics of production of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed crop by
products: T1 (yam peels), T2 (cassava peels), T3 (sweet potato peels) and T 4 (ripe plantain peels) in a
completely randomized design was investigated. Four bucks were assigned to the crop by-products in
four replicates for the growth and digestibility trials. The final weight and weight gain of the bucks were
significantly (P < 0.05) different. The final weights in order of superiority were 10500, 10025, 9550 and
8050 g for T2, T1, T 3 and T4. The weight gain varied from 3200 to 750 g for T2 and T4. The economics of
production of the bucks revealed significant (P < 0.05) differences in the parameters investigated.
Judging from the cost of utilizing the crop by-products the bucks fed T2 with an affordable price
portrayed higher weight gain despite the higher amounts of feed consumed. The dry matter digestibility
among the bucks was significantly (P < 0.05) different. This was higher (57.98%) for the bucks fed T2.
Overall results show better performance and economic benefits in the utilization of T 2 by the bucks.
Hence, T2 as a basal feedstuff is recommended as a better dry season feed for Goats.