Effect of Levels of Tephrosia Bracteolate (Guill Et Perr) on Minerals Balance in W.A.D Goats Fed Guinea Grass(Panicum maximum Jacq) with Concentrate

Abstract

Sixteen west African Dwarf Goats (8 bucks and 8 does) were balanced for age,sex and weight (average of 5.79±0.60kg), to evaluate their mineral utilization . The animals were fed Tephrosia bracteolata based diets. They were allotted randomly to the following dietary treatments (T. bracteolata, P. maximum, Concentrate) namely,Tb20 as control, Tb40, Tb60 and Tb80for one hundred and twelve days; 14 day pre-growth adaptation, 84 days growth and 14 days digestibility (7 days adaptation and 7 days monitoring).. , Ca absorbed (gm) ranged from 0.64 (Tb) 20 to 1.57 (Tb80) and retention was from 0.62 (Tb20) to 1.56 (Tb80) which was partially linear, while for Tb20 and Tb80 had lowest p < 0.05 and highest (p<0.05) (0.27,027 and 0.47, 047) in gm respectively. Concerning Mg lowest (0.41, 0.40) and highest (0.67, 0.65) absorbed and retained was observed in Tb 20 and Tb 80 respectively. While Na was similar to trend observed in P (Tb 20;0.08, 0.08 and Tb 80; 0.14 0.14), K absorption and retention was lowest (P<0.05) in Tb 20 (0.44) and Tb40 (0.35) and Tb 80 (1.25) as well as Tb 80 (1.19) respectively. These results (all positive balance) exhibits majorly linear increment in absorption and retention with increase in T.bracteolata which might be due to leguminous properties in T.b that makes it possible. Adoptable and Adoptable technologies  that are legume based and community driven must be sought for

Key words:Minerals-balance   Panicum maximum, Tephrosia bracteolata, W.A.D-Goats