Performance characteristics of West African dwarf goat fed Rhizopus treated sawdust

Feed intake and weight gain of West African dwarf (WAD) goats consuming Rhizopus treated sawdust were determined. 27 WAD goats in a 3 x 3 Latin square design with a 196 day period consumed normal diet with 20% untreated sawdust (Treatment 1, control), while Treatments 2 and 3 contained fungus treated sawdust at 20 and 25%, respectively. Crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract consumed increased (P < 0.05) by the addition of the fungus treated sawdust for Treatment 3. In contrast, the lignin intake was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Treatments 2 and 3. The weight gain of the experimental animals was highest in Treatment 3. In conclusion, fungus treated sawdust-based diet for growing WAD goats may improve performance as a result of increasing feed intake and live weight gain.