Sustainable Use of Guava (Psidium guajava) Leaves to Enhance Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Profile in West African Dwarf Goats

Abstract

Guava leaves are rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds with a great potential as a sustainable and adaptable feed resource for ruminants. This study investigated the dietary effect of guava leaves (GL) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood profile of West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats. Twenty (20) WAD goats with average body weight of 8.29+1.25kg were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments with graded levels (0, 15, 30 and 45%) of air-dried guava leaves for 70 days. The performance characteristics, nutrient digestibility and selected blood metabolites of animals were determined. The crude protein (CP), ether extract, tannins and flavonoids contents increased (p < 0.05) with increase in the inclusion of GL in the diets. Dry matter intake was higher in goats fed diets with 0% and 15%GLwhile the CP intake was higher in 30% and45% GL diets. Goats fed diets containing 0% and 30% GL recorded higher DM and NDF digestibility while those fed 15% and 30% GL had higher CP and ash digestibility. Inclusion of guava leaves in the diet reduced (p < 0.05) the serum aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and malonaldehyde levels of the animals. The study suggests that GL could form 30% of the diet of West African dwarf goats for improved nutrient digestibility, reduced oxidative stress and enhanced feed conversion ratio without deleterious effects on the blood profile of animals.