Influence of breed, diet, and sex on growth performance of Nigerian indigenous goat breeds under tropical conditions

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to study the influence of breed, diet, and sex on the growth performance of Nigerian indigenous goat breeds under tropical conditions.  A total of 36 weaner goats (3–4 months old), were assigned to a 2 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement within a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Each treatment combination was replicated 3 times (12 x 3 = 36 animals in total). The dietary treatments consisted of 100% Digitaria smutsii (DS), 50%DS+50% groundnut haulms (GH), and 50%DS+50% cowpea husk (CH). Growth performance parameters, including body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality, were evaluated over the experimental period. Data collected on growth performance were analyzed using factorial ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test at P < 0.05. Breed significantly influenced final body weight (FBW) and total weight gain (TWG), with Red Sokoto goats exhibiting superior performance compared to West African Dwarf goats. Diet significantly affected total feed intake (TFI), daily feed intake (DFI), and FCR, with goats fed 100% DS consuming more feed, while 50%DS+50%CH produced the most efficient FCR. Sex significantly influenced FBW, TWG, and daily weight gain (DWG), with females outperforming males. Significant breed × diet × sex interactions were observed for FBW, TWG, and DWG, with Red Sokoto females fed 50%DS+50% CH showing the highest growth performance. The growth performance in Nigerian indigenous goats is influenced by synergistic interactions among genetic, nutritional, and physiological factors. Within the scope of this baseline study, Red Sokoto females fed a 50%DS+50%CH diet showed promising phenotypic growth response, suggesting this combination warrants further multi-location farm trials for optimized tropical production.