SODIUM REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE AND GROWTH OF WEST AFRICAN DVVARF GOATS

Abstract

Sodium (Na) requirements for maintenance and growth of goats were determined in a 70- day feeding trial involving 4 treatment levels (0,5,10 and 15g) of common salt (NaCI), suncured cassava peels (SCCP) using Gmelina leaves as basal diet. Results showed that
increasing dietary NaCl levels in the SCCP increased total dry matter intake, average daily weight gain and water consumption. However, animals offered Sg salt per day recorded the highest (P<O.O5)growth rate (58.6g/d), optimum dry matter intake (2.90%)
body weight) and highest serum Na concentration (200 rnmom). Goats on higher dietary NaCI depicted a decline in growth rate. Treatment effects at dietary 5 or log NaCl were not significant. The data suggested that West African dwarf goats would require 5g
common salt in the diet for maximum growth rate and 0.52 ppm/Kg BW/day for body maintenance.