Issue 1 (201)/2025

ALSE and ACS Style
Oluwadele, J.F.; Aganga, A.A.; Ekeocha, A.H.; Tawose, O.M.; Tella, A.; Akinlabi, E.Y.; Gode, D. Effect of feeding selected farm residues on growth performance, digestibility and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf bucks. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 2025, 58 (1), 33-41.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-581163

AMA Style
Oluwadele JF, Aganga AA, Ekeocha AH, Tawose OM, Tella A, Akinlabi EY, Gode D. Effect of feeding selected farm residues on growth performance, digestibility and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf bucks. Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment. 2025; 58 (1): 33-41.
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-581163

Chicago/Turabian Style
Oluwadele, Joshua Femi, Adeolu Ademiju Aganga, Anthony Henry Ekeocha, Olayinka Miriam Tawose, Adetumbi Tella, Ebenezer Yemi Akinlabi, and Dakuna Gode. 2025. “Effect of feeding selected farm residues on growth performance, digestibility and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf bucks.” Journal of Applied Life Sciences and Environment 58, no. 1: 33-41. 
https://doi.org/10.46909/alse-581163

Effect of feeding selected farm residues on growth performance, digestibility and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf bucks

Joshua Femi OLUWADELE^1*, Adeolu Ademiju AGANGA¹, Anthony Henry EKEOCHA¹, Olayinka Miriam TAWOSE¹, Adetumbi TELLA¹, Ebenezer Yemi AKINLABI² and Dakuna GODE¹

¹Department of Animal Production and Health, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria; email: ademiju@yahoo.com; anthony.ekeocha@fuoye.edu.ng; olayinka@yahoo.com; dakuna@yahoo.com

²Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan Oyo State, Nigeria; email: akinlabis@yahoo.com

*Correspondence: joshua.oluwadele@fuoye.edu.ng; oluwadel007@yahoo.com

Received: Nov. 13, 2024. Revised: Dec. 28, 2024. Accepted: Jan. 18, 2025. Published online: Feb. 21, 2025

ABSTRACT. This study investigated the effects of feeding selected farm residues on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks. A total of 16 bucks aged 16–18 months and weighing 14.45 ± 0.78 kg were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: control, cacao pod shells (T1); peanut shells (T2), corn cobs (T3), and mixed residues of cacao pod shells, peanut shells, and corn cobs in equal proportions (T4). This study spanned 92 days, during which feed intake, weight gain, digestibility, and nitrogen utilisation were evaluated. The T2 diet significantly enhanced growth performance, with the highest final weight (19.8 ± 0.20 kg), weight gain (5.30 ± 0.15 kg), and average daily gain (57.6 ± 1.2 g/day). The nutrient intake and digestibility were also highest in the T2 group, with a crude protein intake of 131 g/day and crude protein digestibility of 78.2%. Similarly, nitrogen retention was greatest in T2 bucks (13.7 ± 0.4 g/day), reflecting efficient protein utilisation. The findings suggest that peanut shells are a highly digestible and nutrient-rich feed resource, offering significant advantages over the control and other treatments. By improving growth rates, feed efficiency, and nitrogen balance, peanut shells provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution for smallholder farmers facing feed shortages. These results support the adoption of farm residues as alternative feed resources to enhance the productivity and economic viability of small ruminant farming systems in West Africa.

Keywords: crop residues; nitrogen retention; nutrient digestibility; peanut shells; West African dwarf bucks.

INTRODUCTION

Small ruminants, particularly West African dwarf (WAD) goats, are integral to the livelihoods of rural communities in West Africa, providing meat, milk, and income. These goats are valued for their adaptability to harsh environments; however, their productivity is often constrained by seasonal feed shortages, especially during the dry season, when natural forage is scarce (Adeoye et al., 2021). Feed scarcity not only limits growth performance but also impacts reproductive efficiency and herd sustainability (Usman et al., 2019; Zafar et al., 2018; Yoon et al., 2019). Addressing this challenge requires innovative and cost-effective feeding strategies that optimise locally available resources.

Crop residues, including cacao pod shells, peanut shells, and corn cobs, are agricultural by-products that are abundant, but underutilised in many developing regions. For example, global peanut production exceeds 50 million tonnes annually, with Nigeria contributing approximately 4 million tonnes (Adewuyi and Oluwaseun, 2019). Similarly, cacao pod shells and corn cobs are widely available in agricultural communities but are often discarded as waste. Research indicates that these residues, when properly processed, can serve as viable feed resources due to their fibre and protein content (Islam et al., 2023).

Previous studies have demonstrated the nutritional potential of crop residues in improving the performance of small ruminants. Galló et al. (2017) found that peanut shells enhanced digestibility and nutrient retention, while Jeon et al. (2003) reported that high-fibre residues improved the nitrogen balance and feed efficiency of goats. However, these studies lacked region-specific data or failed to address economic feasibility, which is a critical factor for resource-limited farmers.

This study hypothesized that incorporating locally available farm residues into the diets of WAD bucks would enhance growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen retention and reduce feeding costs. By evaluating the growth metrics, nutrient utilisation, and economic viability of these residues, this research aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for sustainable livestock feeding practices in West Africa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental location

This study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The farm is located at 5.5145ºE longitude and 7.7983ºN latitude, with an elevation of 570 m above sea level. The region experiences a tropical climate, with relative humidity ranging from 57 to 92% and average temperatures of 68-90ºF. These conditions are conducive to animal nutrition and husbandry experiments.

Experimental animals

A total of 16 West African Dwarf bucks aged 16–18 months and weighing 14.45 ± 0.78 kg were selected for this study. The animals were dewormed and acclimatised for two weeks prior to the experiment. During this period, they were fed a basal diet and monitored for health to ensure uniform conditions across all experimental groups.

Experimental design

This study employed a completely randomised design (CRD). The bucks were divided into 4 groups (n = 4 per treatment) and assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: control diet containing 40% cacao pod shells (T1); diet containing 40% peanut shells (T2); diet containing 40% corn cobs (T3); and isonitrogenous diet containing a mixture of 13.3% cacao pod shells, 13.3% peanut shells, and 13.3% corn cobs (T4).

The experimental diets were formulated to contain 14.5% crude protein and 60% Pennisetum silage as a basal component.

Diet preparation and chemical analysis

Crop residues (cacao pod shells, peanut shells, and corn cobs) were collected locally, sun-dried, and ground to a uniform particle size.

Proximate analysis of the residues was conducted using standard procedures (AOAC, 2005) to determine the following parameters: dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and ash content. These values were used to formulate isonitrogenous diets.

Management and feeding system

The bucks were housed individually in pens measuring 1.5 m × 1.5 m, equipped with feeding and watering facilities. Pens were cleaned daily to maintain hygiene and prevent feed contamination. The bucks were fed twice daily (8:00 AM and 4:00 PM). The feed offered and refused was weighed daily to calculate the dry matter intake (DMI). Fresh drinking water and mineral licks were provided ad libitum throughout the trial. Regular veterinary checks were conducted, and any health issues were promptly treated.

Digestibility trial

Digestibility trials were conducted during the final month of the study. Bucks were placed in metabolic cages equipped for the separate collection of faeces and urine. The trial lasted 7 days, during which the total faecal output was collected daily. Samples of faeces and feed were analysed for DM, CP, NDF, and ADF to calculate apparent digestibility using the following formula (Equation 1):

Nitrogen balance trial

During the digestibility trial, the nitrogen intake, faecal nitrogen, and urinary nitrogen were measured. Urine was collected in buckets containing 10% sulphuric acid to prevent nitrogen loss. The nitrogen balance was calculated as follows (Equation 2):

Nitrogen retention was used as an indicator of protein utilisation efficiency.

Data collection

Feed intake: The quantity of feed offered and refused was recorded daily to calculate the DMI.

Growth performance: Bucks were weighed bi-weekly using a digital scale. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated as follows (Equation 3):

Nutrient digestibility: Digestibility coefficients for DM, CP, NDF, and ADF were calculated from the feed and faecal analyses.

Nitrogen balance: Intake and excretion data were used to assess the nitrogen utilisation.

Statistical analysis

Data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare means across treatments. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were identified using Duncan’s multiple range test.

By incorporating these detailed methodologies, the study ensured a comprehensive evaluation of growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and economic feasibility of using farm residues in goat diets.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results of this study highlight the effectiveness of using farm residues, such as peanut shells and other local feed resources, to improve growth performance, digestibility, and nitrogen balance in WAD bucks.

Tables 1–5 provide a detailed overview of each parameter studied, supporting the existing literature on the benefits of high-fibre and high-protein diets for small ruminants in resource-limited farming systems.

Table 1
Composition of experimental diets (% dry matter basis)

Table 2
Growth performance of West African dwarf bucks

Values within rows with different superscripts (ᵃᵇ) differ significantly (P < 0.05). Feed cost (₦/kg weight gain) was calculated based on the total cost of feed consumed per animal divided by the weight gain for e

The impact of dietary treatments on weight gain and average daily gain, indicating significant improvements in T2, followed by moderate gains in T4, which highlights the effects of diet.ach treatment group. SEM – Standard Error

Table 3
Nutrient intake of West African dwarf bucks

Values within rows with different superscripts (ᵃᵇ) differ significantly (P < 0.05).

The daily intake of dry matter, crude protein, and total digestible nutrients, with T2 showing the highest intake, followed by T4, indicating improved nutrient intake.

Table 4
Nutrient digestibility of West African dwarf bucks

Values within rows with different superscripts (ᵃᵇ) differ significantly (P < 0.05).

The digestibility percentages of dry matter, crude protein, and crude fibre, with T2 demonstrating the highest digestibility, particularly for crude protein, supporting superior nutrient utilisation.

Table 5
Nitrogen balance of West African dwarf bucks

Values within rows with different superscripts (ᵃᵇ) differ significantly (P < 0.05). Nitrogen intake, excretion, and retention, with T2 achieving the highest retention rate, indicating better nitrogen utilisation and protein assimilation, especially in diets containing peanut shells.

Growth performance

Table 2 shows the growth performance metrics, revealing that bucks fed the T2 diet (peanut shells) exhibited the highest final weight gain and average daily weight gain. This finding aligns with previous studies demonstrating that peanut shells, due to their nutrient density and palatability, are highly effective as supplementary feed (Adedokun et al., 2017; Islam et al., 2023). The high daily weight gain observed in the T2 group is consistent with the results of Johnson and Brown (2021) on the advantages of protein-rich diets in enhancing growth rates in small ruminants. In addition, the significant weight gains in T2 and T4 diets are supported by Oluwadele et al. (2024) and Galló et al. (2017), who suggested that protein- and fibre-rich feeds improve growth outcomes and health.

Nutrient intake

Table 3 summarises the bucks’ nutrient intake, showing that those on the T2 diet had the highest crude protein and total digestible nutrient intake. The high nutrient intake of the T2 group suggests that peanut shells are both nutrient-rich and palatable, positively influencing feed intake and body condition (Adeoye et al., 2021; Smith and Jones, 2021). Such high nutrient intake values are essential for small ruminants’ growth and productivity, as corroborated by Galló et al. (2017), Jeon et al. (2003) and Tawose et al. (2024), who emphasised the critical role of a nutrient-dense, digestible diet.

Digestibility of nutrients

Table 4 and Figure 1 outlines nutrient digestibility across diets, with T2 and T4 showing superior digestibility rates.

Figure 1 – Digestibility percentages across treatments and nitrogen distribution for each treatment group

Higher digestibility in these diets indicates better nutrient absorption and utilisation, which directly impacts growth and weight gain (Jeon et al., 2003). These findings support the research of Olajide and Thompson (2021) and Kumar et al. (2021), who noted that diets rich in digestible protein and fibre improve nutrient retention and overall animal health. High digestibility also corresponds with the results of Adedokun et al. (2017), who found that digestible diets help optimise nutrient bioavailability, supporting sustained growth in small ruminants.

Figure 1 shows the comparison of the digestibility percentages for each treatment, detailing how well animals absorbed different diets. It also displays nitrogen distribution among groups, indicating nitrogen retention or loss, which is crucial for assessing dietary efficiency and environmental impact. This bar plot illustrates the proportions of ingredients in each experimental diet. Each bar represents the diet composition, showing the percentage of various nutrients or feed components essential for understanding dietary differences across experimental groups.

Nitrogen balance

As shown in Table 5, nitrogen retention was highest in the T2 diet, highlighting its efficacy in supporting protein utilisation. High nitrogen retention is crucial for effective muscle synthesis, immune responses, and growth, as also reported by Adeoye et al. (2021) and Nde and Philile (2017). Retained nitrogen is an indicator of efficient protein use and better physiological performance, a result verified by Kumar et al. (2021) and Choudhury and Mandal (2020), who observed similar nitrogen balance improvements in high-protein diet interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study’s results, supported by references and the data presented in Tables 1–5, underscore the potential of peanut shells and similar local feed resources as effective, affordable alternatives for enhancing livestock performance. By improving weight gain, digestibility, and nitrogen retention, these farm residues contribute significantly to sustainable small ruminant farming in West Africa, confirming findings from past studies on diet optimisation for small ruminants. In conclusion, peanut shells as an alternative feed resource for WAD bucks optimise nutrient intake, digestibility, and economic feasibility, reinforcing existing research and offering.

Author contributions: Conceptualization, project administration, methodology design, data interpretation, and manuscript drafting: JFO; Supervision, reviewing and editing of the manuscript, and guidance on analytical techniques: AAA; Data collection, sample analysis, and assistance with drafting sections of the manuscript: AHE; Experimental implementation, data validation, and manuscript review: OMT; Statistical analysis, data visualization, and figure preparation: AT; Laboratory analysis and technical support throughout the experimental phase: EYA; Fieldwork assistance, data organization, and supporting literature review: DG. All authors declare that they have read and approved the publication of the manuscript in this present form.

Funding: There was no external funding for this study.

Acknowledgments: The author expresses their gratitude to the FUOYE Federal University Oye-Ekiti.

Conflicts of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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