Performance Characteristics, Blood Profile, Apparent Nutrient Digestibility and Economics of Production of West African Dwarf Does Fed Cassava Leaf Meal Based Diets

Abstract

Abstract Inadequate nutrition due to high feed costs limits goat production in the tropics. This study explored the effects of cassava leaves (CL) as a low-cost protein source on West African dwarf (WAD) does. Twenty WAD does, averaging 15.20 kg, were assigned to four dietary treatments with varying CL levels (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) over 84 days. Fresh TME 419 cassava leaves were sun-dried, milled, and incorporated into the diets. Key metrics such as performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and production economics were evaluated. Results indicated that performance and blood profile were not significantly affected by CL levels (P>0.05). Diets with 0% and 20% CL showed the highest ash availability (79.11% and 79.49%), while 10% CL had the least (54.96%). Crude fiber digestibility peaked at 0% CL (78.49%) and dropped to 57.86% at 30% CL. However, WAD does on 30% CL exhibited the highest nitrogen intake (9.60 g/d) and retention (8.39 g/d). Notably, feed costs were lowest at 30% CL (N 810.15) and highest at 0% CL (N 1236.43). The study concluded that including 30% CL in diets enhances nitrogen intake and reduces feeding costs.