Authors: T. O. Bawala, A. O. Akinsoyinu, O. O. Eniolorunda, A. B. J. Aina, M. O. Ogun
Nig. J. Anim. prod. 2009. 36(2): 325-334
2009 Nigerian Society for Animal Production
Abstract
Changes in body measurements and carcass characteristics were studied in Red Sokoto goats
raised for 108days on three feeding regimes. Twenty one growing intact male goats with average
weight of 8. 70±0. 23kg were randomly grouped into three, corresponding to the number of feeding
(treatments) per day, viz, once OPD (08.1)Oh), twice TPD (08.00h and 13.00h) and thrice HPD
(08.00, 13.00, 18.00) in a completely randomized design. Each goat “lias offered grass, Panicum
maximum and concentrate (17% CP and 3. 97 ME, Mcal/kgDM) supplement in separate containers
at daily rates of C. 70 and 0.50 kg/head! Jay based on the number of feedings. Body weights ana
linear body measurements were taken weekly. Four representative goats were slaughtered at the
close of the feeding periods to evaluate effect of level of feeding on carcass characteristics, Goats
fed twice per day, TPD, had highest (P < 0.05) average weight gain (g/d) of 81.01, against 37 03
and 69.44 obtained for OPD and HPD fed goats. There were significantly differences (P < 0.03) in
the changes in body weight, length, chest girth, and height at weithers values of goals as the trial
progressed. Skeletal growth as represented by the height at withers HW was observed in all goats
but more prominent and steady in OPD and TPDfed goats. Changes (em) in HW of goats monitored
in three stages of 36 days each of I08 day trial were: OPD goats; 3,50, .2,00, and 1,50; TPD goats,
1.00,5.00 and 0,05; HPD goats, 6.00, 3.00 and 0.20. Regression of body measurements on changes
_in body, weight (P < 0.01) showed that chest girth ‘was best in predicting changes in body weight
” on account of its highest correlation (r’ = 0.77). Similarly, TPD fed goats had highest (P < 0,05)
dressing % (58.30), carcass weight (7.90kg), carcass condition score (2.50) and offal composition.
Corresponding values of 47. 48 and 55. 70 %, 5.00 and 7.00kg,-and 1.00 and 1.90 were obtained
for OPD and HPD fed goats respectively. Therefore.feeding goats twice per day improved production, and could prevent waste of farmer s resources that is associated with higher number of feeding.