Effect of Moringa oleifera Supplementation on Acceptability and Nutrient Utilization of Goats Fed Mango Seed Kernels.

Abstract

Twenty four growing goats with mean body weight of 8.00 ± 0.45kg were fed mango seed kernel meals with Moringa oleifera  supplementation on to asses their acceptability and energy with nitrogen utilization. Goats were assigned to three dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with eight goats per treatment. The three compared treatment diets were: A (45% of raw mango seed kernel), B (45% of soaked mango seed kernel) and C (45% of parboiled mango seed kernel). Concentrate of 45% was added to each of the experimental diet, while each goat received 8 grams of Moringa oleifera as supplement in their respective diets. The results indicated that, diet A was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in gross energy intake (15.23MJ/kg), faecal energy output (4.59MJ/kg), total energy output (6.25MJ/kg) and faecal nitrogen output (4.02g/day) compared to diets B and C. Mean dry matter intake (3.09kgDM), coefficient of preference (3.98), digestible energy intake (12.22MJ/kg), metabolizable energy intake (11.01MJ/kg), nitrogen balance (12.37g/day) and nitrogen retention (81.17%) were significantly (p < 0.05) best in diet C compared to other treatment diets. Significant difference (P > 0.05) did not occur in nitrogen intake and urinary nitrogen output among the treatment diets. It was concluded that parboiled mango seed kernels and concentrate with Moringa oleifera supplementation ( diet C) has the potential to improve acceptability and enhance energy with nitrogen utilization for goats.

Keywords: Mango seed, Moringa oleifera, acceptability, nutrient utilization, goats.