Forage Proximate Composition, Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Red Sokoto Bucks Fed Digitaria horizantalis Supplemented with Graded Leucaena leucocephala Leaf Meal

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the nutritional potentials of sun-dried Leucaena leucocephala leaves in the diet of growing Red Sokoto Bucks (RSB). Sixteen (16) growing RSB, averagely 8 - 9 months of age, weighing 10 - 11 kg + 0.5, were used for the study. Four treatment diets 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% inclusion levels were formulated, designated as T₁, T₂, T₃,and T₄,using a completely randomised design (CRD), respectively. Proximate composition of the supplemental diet (Leucaena leucocephala Leaves) and the basal diet (Digiteria horizantalis) was determined. Haematological and serum biochemical indices were recorded. The data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The result revealed a significant (p<0.05) difference in the Proximate composition of the forage (Digitaria horizantalis) and Leucaena leucocephala leaves were iso nitrogenous (11.35% to 12.55 %). While crude protein percentage of Leucaena leucocephala leaves was 21.85 %. The crude fibre of the concentrate diet, forage and Leucaena leucocephala leaves ranges from 13.49 to 15.49 % and 14.85 and 12.50%, respectively. Haematological and serum biochemical indices of the bucks almost fell within the normal range of haematology and serum values for a healthy RSB. Inclusion of Leucaena leucocephala at 15% gave the highest weight gain. Therefore, it was recommended that Leucaena leucocephala leaf meal can be included in the diets of growing RSB for improved feed utilisation and growth performance. Further research should be conducted to ascertain the effects of including Leucaena leucocephala leaves on other production parameters, such as meat or milk yield and composition of Red Sokoto Goats.