Biotechnology Journal International

Nine West African dwarf goats (3 goats per diet) initially averaging between 4.5 and 6.5kg body weight, were fed either Jatropha curcas untreated diet A (control), 50% cocktail of fungi blend treated Jatropha curcas kernel cake (diet B) and 100% cocktail of fungi blend treated Jatrpoha curcas kernel cake (diet C) adlibitum for 56 days followed by a 7 day total faecal collection. All the diets have a crude protein content of between 17.99 and 19.23%. Total dry matter intake (TDMI) (543.25 – 606.25g/d) showed significant differences among the diets (p<0.05). The digestibility coefficient of dry matter which was similar (p>0.05) among the diets ranged between 91.84% and 94.31%. The digestibility of crude protein was numerically highest for diet B and least for other diets (A and C). The digestible dry matter intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher for diet B compared to other diets. The digestibility of crude fibre and ether extract followed same trend as other nutrients. The digestible crude protein intake was 481.6g/d (A), 544.63g/d (B) and 472.6g/d (C). The digestible crude fibre intake was greater (p<0.05) for diet B (576.25) followed closely by diet A (520.5g/d) and C (516.75g/d). Digestible ether extract intake tended (p<0.05) to be lower for goat fed diet C (500.00g/d) compared with diet A and diet B which were similar (p>0.05). In conclusion, inclusion of cocktail of fungi blend Jatropha curcas kernel cake in a mixed ration appear to be viable feed ingredient for goat diet.