ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of replacement of dietary maize offals with sundried cocoyam meal Xanthosoma sagittfolium on blood profile and growth performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks. Twelve bucks at 6 months of age with similar body weights were assigned into three different groups and subjected to one of three nutritional regimens from I to 9 weeks. Bucks in group I (Control) were fed diet with 0 % Xanthosoma sagittfolium (Diet A). Groups 2 and 3 bucks, were fed on rations formulated to contain 10 % and 20 % Xanthosoma sagittifoliuin meals (Diets B and C) in concentrate mix, respectively. Animals were offered concentrate diets at 3 % of their body weights ad libitum throughout the trial. Clean drinking water was also offered daily. There was significant effect (P<0.05) of treatment on feed intake. The weight gain of bucks fed diet 3 (48.10 gld) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those fed diet 2 (30.30 g/d) and least for those fed diet 1 (15.15 gid). Feed Conversion ratio (FCR) differed significantly (P<0.05) among treatment groups. FCR values of 23.09, 19.98 and 13.20 were obtained from group 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Final weight was significantly higher (P<0.05) for T3 (10.50 kg) followed by 9.33 kg and 8.38 kg obtained in T2 and Ti respectively. Zero mortality was recorded in all the groups. Except for White blood cell (WBC), there were significant differences (P<0.05) in values of other hematological parameters measured. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Creatine and Total protein values were however similar (P>0.05), but significant differences (P<0.05) existed in values of other blood biochemical indices measured. Digestibility coefficients differed (P<0.05) with treatment diets; nutrients were digested better (P<0.05) in the supplemented groups (2 and 3) compared to group 1. Groups with Xanthosoma sagittfolium meal recorded more weight gain, better blood profile and nutrient digestibility. The present study points out the relevance of Xanthosoma sagittfolium to growing bucks. Its inclusion in diet ensured production of well nourished bucks. It will also reduce post weaning mortality and subsequently enhance more supply of animal protein to the populace.