Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Bucks Fed Different Forms of Processed Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum)

An experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf bucks fed different types of processed Panicum maximum. Twelve West African Dwarf bucks aged between 6 and 8 months with initial mean weight of 7.26 kg were intensively managed for 56 days. The experimental diets are wilted Panicum maximum, fresh Panicum maximum, ensiled Panicum maximum and Panicum maximum Hay designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The results revealed that goats placed on wilted Panicum maximum (T1) (135.18g/day) and hay, (T4) (139.29g/day) were similar in respect to concentrate intake. Forage intake showed significant (P<0.05) differences. Goats fed wilted Panicum (T1) (607.78g/day) and fresh Panicum maximum (T2) (634.46g/day) had similar intake but differed from goats placed on ensiled Panicum maximum (T3) and hay Panicum maximum (T4). Daily dry matter intake (DMI) differed (P<0.05) significantly among treatments. Total daily feed intake of goats on wilted Panicum maximum (T1) (42.96g/day) and fresh Panicum maximum (T2) (759.80g/day) were similar and differed from total daily feed intake of goats placed on ensiled Panicum maximum(564.28g/day) and Hay Panicum maximum484g/day. Goats fed wilted Panicum maximum produced higher value of live weight which did not differ (P>0.05) from other treatments.Bucks on fresh Panicum maximum (T2) had higher value of bled weight (7.40kg) but did not significantly differ (P>0.05). Heavier dressed weight (35.62) was recorded by goats fed wilted Panicum maximum (T1) but did not significantly differ (P>0.05) from other treatments. Dressing percentages, thigh, loin, internal organs and bone to lean ratio were not significantly different (P>0.05) from each other. The use of Panicum maximum in any form has no effect on conversion of forage into meat and formation of any part.