ABSTRACT

An experimental study was done to investigate the effect of direct-fed microbes (Zymoinonas mobilis treated rice hull) on Maradi goats. The direct-fed microbes was produced using fermentation vats (vol. 150 liters vaf') and was each added with 2.5 Kg innoculum, 25 Kg of rice hulls weight vat with 50 liters of water. Then allowed to ferment for 10 days and homogenously mixed on 24 hourly (daily) at the ambient temperature of 25.5 to 26.3 0G. At the end of the 10 days fermentation period, the fermented products were sun dried to maintain the moisture of about 10 %. The samples were sent for analysis. The dried product (Z. mobilis treated rice hull or the direct- fed microbes) was included as component of formulated diets at the following inclusion treatment levels: A (0 % DFM but with untreated rice hulls), B (20 % DFM) and C (25 % DFM) respectively. The result of the daily weight gain (treatment B) was generally better (136.7 Kg) and was significant (p< 0.05) than the other treatments. There was significant improvement (p< 0.05) on the daily feed consumption, which was highest among the treatments B (207.4 g), C (244.2 g) with direct- fed microbes than the other treatment. The feed conversion ratio revealed significant (p < 0.05) and was highest on the treatment C (2.0). The cost of feed consumed and cost per Kg weight gain were highest (p < 0.05) on treatment C (N126l.8 and N209.4) than on the other two treatments. While the cost of production and gross margin was observed highest (p < 0.05) on the treatment B (N5871 .2 and Ni 145.7) which were better than the other treatment as noted in this study. The revenue as noted in the study was generally better (p<0.05 %) among the treatments with DFM (B N66 12.0 and C = N6285.2). The cost differential and relative cost benefit improved generally (p>< 0.05) (B= 65.7 % and C = 83.2 %) (B= 20.9 % and 45.0 %) respectively better than the other treatment. Where the return on investment was generally better ( p<0.05) on treatment B (114.5 %) and C (109.6 %) than in treatment A. based on this study, Z. mobilis treated rice hulls ( direct-fed microbe) based diets, generally performed better than untreated diet and where rice hull is considered cheap should be treated with Z. inobilis for goat nutrition