DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this thesis entitled “Nutrient Intake and Carcass Characteristics of Red Sokoto
Bucks Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Ziziphus mauritiana Leaf Meal as a Supplement to Gamba
Grass (Andropogon gayanus)” is an original research work carried out by me in the Department of
Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. The work
has not been submitted, either in whole or in part, for the award of any degree or diploma in this or any
other institution.
All sources of information used have been duly acknowledged and referenced in accordance with
accepted academic standards.
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UMAR ABDULLAHI SANDA
Registration Number: SPS/23/ANS/MSc/0006
Signature: ______________________
Date: ___________________________
CERTIFICATION
This thesis entitled “Nutrient Intake and Carcass Characteristics of Red Sokoto Bucks Fed Diets
Containing Graded Levels of Ziziphus mauritiana Leaf Meal as a Supplement to Gamba Grass
(Andropogon gayanus)” by UMAR ABDULLAHI SANDA (Registration Number: SPS/23/ANS/MSc/0006)
has been examined and approved as meeting the requirements for the award of the Degree of Master
of Science ([Link].) in Animal Science of the School of Postgraduate Studies, Federal University of
Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria.
Name| Signature| Date
Dr. Babawuro Yahaya<br>Major Supervisor| __________________| ______________
Dr. Bukola<br>Co-Supervisor| __________________| ______________
Dr. __________________<br>Head, Department of Animal Science| __________________|
______________
Prof. __________________<br>Dean, Faculty of Agriculture| __________________| ______________
Prof. __________________<br>Dean, School of Postgraduate Studies| __________________|
______________
External Examiner| __________________| ______________
DEDICATION
This thesis is dedicated to Almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), the Most Gracious and the Most
Merciful, whose infinite mercy, guidance, protection, wisdom, and blessings made this work possible.
It is also dedicated to my beloved parents, whose sacrifices, unconditional love, prayers,
encouragement, and unwavering support have been the foundation of my academic success. May
Almighty Allah (SWT) reward them abundantly, forgive their shortcomings, grant them good health, long
life in His obedience, and admit them into Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
All praise and gratitude are due to Almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala), the Lord of the worlds, for
granting me life, good health, strength, wisdom, guidance, and the opportunity to successfully complete
this research. May His peace and blessings be upon Prophet Muhammad (SAW), his family, his
companions, and all those who follow his righteous path until the Day of Judgment.
My profound gratitude goes to my major supervisor, Dr. Babawuro Yahaya, whose invaluable guidance,
patience, constructive criticisms, scholarly advice, and continuous encouragement greatly contributed to
the successful completion of this research. His commitment to academic excellence, dedication, and
mentorship have been a great source of inspiration throughout this study.
I sincerely appreciate my co-supervisor, Dr. Bukola, for her professional guidance, valuable suggestions,
encouragement, and unwavering support throughout the course of this research. Her insightful
contributions and meticulous review of this work significantly improved its quality.
I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to Prof. Ocheja for his invaluable advice, encouragement,
constructive suggestions, and academic support throughout this research. His wealth of knowledge,
mentorship, and inspiration contributed significantly to the successful completion of this study. May
Almighty Allah (SWT) reward him abundantly.
I am deeply grateful to the Head of the Department of Animal Science, all members of the academic and
non-academic staff of the Department, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, and the School of
Postgraduate Studies, Federal University of Kashere, for providing a conducive academic environment
and the support necessary for the successful completion of my postgraduate programme.
My sincere appreciation also goes to all my lecturers, colleagues, classmates, and friends whose
encouragement, cooperation, constructive suggestions, and moral support contributed immensely to
the success of this study. I am equally grateful to everyone who assisted me during the field experiment,
laboratory analyses, data collection, and statistical analysis.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to my beloved parents, Alhaji Abdullahi Sanda and Hajiya Zainab Garba, for
their immeasurable sacrifices, unconditional love, prayers, sound moral upbringing, encouragement, and
financial support throughout my educational journey. Their unwavering belief in my potential has been
the foundation of my achievements. May Almighty Allah (SWT) reward them abundantly, grant them
good health, long life in His obedience, forgive their shortcomings, and admit them into Al-Jannatul
Firdaus. Ameen.
I also wish to express my profound appreciation to Alhaji Gana Ummate for his fatherly care, guidance,
encouragement, prayers, generosity, and unwavering support throughout my academic journey. His
kindness and concern have contributed immensely to my educational success. May Almighty Allah (SWT)
bless him with good health, increase him in His mercy, and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
My sincere appreciation also goes to Mallam Mohammed Kabir Gana and Mallam Mohammed Inuwa
Saleh for their encouragement, valuable advice, prayers, and continuous support throughout my
postgraduate studies. I sincerely appreciate their kindness and generosity. May Almighty Allah (SWT)
reward them abundantly and continue to bless them. Ameen.
I also appreciate my brothers, sisters, relatives, and well-wishers for their prayers, understanding,
encouragement, and unwavering support throughout my studies.
Finally, I sincerely thank everyone who contributed directly or indirectly to the successful completion of
this research but whose names have not been mentioned individually. Your support, encouragement,
and goodwill are deeply appreciated. May Almighty Allah (SWT) richly bless and reward you all. Ameen.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page ......................................................................................... i
Declaration ....................................................................................... ii
Certification ..................................................................................... iii
Dedication ....................................................................................... iv
Acknowledgements .......................................................................... v
Abstract .......................................................................................... vi
Table of Contents ............................................................................ vii
List of Tables ................................................................................. ix
List of Figures ................................................................................. x
List of Plates .................................................................................. xi
List of Appendices ......................................................................... xii
List of Abbreviations .................................................................... xiii
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study ................................................................. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem ................................................................. 4
1.3 Justification of the Study ................................................................ 5
1.4 Objectives of the Study ................................................................... 5
1.5 Significance of the Study ................................................................ 6
CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Overview of Goat Production in Nigeria ......................................... 7
2.2 Body Conformation Traits and Influencing Factors ......................... 9
2.3 Genetic and Environmental Factors in Goat Production ................. 11
2.4 Classification of Domestic Goats .................................................... 11
2.5 Importance of Breed Characterization ............................................ 12
2.6 Feeding Practices and Nutritional Challenges ................................ 12
2.7 Nutritional Requirements of Red Sokoto Bucks ............................. 13
2.8 Ziziphus mauritiana as a Feed Resource ..................................... 14
2.9 Feed Intake and Nutrient Utilization .............................................. 16
2.10 Growth Performance and Feed Efficiency .................................... 17
2.11 Anti-Nutritional Factors in Browse Plants .................................... 18
2.12 Previous Studies on Browse Plants and Carcass Traits ................. 20
2.13 Previous Studies on Ziziphus mauritiana ................................... 21
2.14 Nutritional Potential of Andropogon gayanus ............................ 23
2.15 Carcass Characteristics ................................................................. 26
CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 Experimental Site ........................................................................... 28
3.2 Experimental Animals and Management ........................................ 28
3.3 Experimental Diets ......................................................................... 29
3.4 Experimental Design .......................................................................
3.5 Data Collection ...............................................................................
3.6 Laboratory Analysis ........................................................................
3.7 Statistical Analysis ..........................................................................
CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Proximate Composition ..................................................................
4.2 Nutrient Intake ................................................................................
4.3 Growth Performance .......................................................................
4.4 Carcass Characteristics ..................................................................
4.5 Wholesale Cuts ...............................................................................
4.6 Internal Organ Weights ..................................................................
4.7 By-products ....................................................................................
4.8 Sensory Evaluation ........................................................................
CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary ........................................................................................
5.2 Conclusion ......................................................................................
5.3 Recommendations ..........................................................................
References
Appendices
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2.1 Proximate Composition of Ziziphus mauritiana Leaves
Table 2.2 Anti-Nutritional Composition of Ziziphus mauritiana Leaves
Table 2.3 Chemical Composition of Andropogon gayanus
Table 3.1 Ingredient Composition of Experimental Diets
Table 3.2 Calculated Nutrient Composition of Experimental Diets
Table 4.1 Proximate Composition of Experimental Diets
Table 4.2 Fibre Fractions of Experimental Diets
Table 4.3 Nutrient Intake of Red Sokoto Bucks Fed Graded Levels of Ziziphus mauritiana Leaf Meal
Table 4.4 Growth Performance of Red Sokoto Bucks
Table 4.5 Carcass Characteristics of Red Sokoto Bucks
Table 4.6 Wholesale Cuts of Red Sokoto Bucks
Table 4.7 Internal Organ Weights of Red Sokoto Bucks
Table 4.8 By-products of Red Sokoto Bucks
Table 4.9 Sensory Evaluation of Chevon from Red Sokoto Bucks
ADF Acid Detergent Fibre
ADG Average Daily Gain
ANOVA Analysis of Variance
AOAC Association of Official Analytical Chemists
CF Crude Fibre
CP Crude Protein
CRD Completely Randomized Design
DM Dry Matter
EE Ether Extract
FCR Feed Conversion Ratio
LSD Least Significant Difference
ME Metabolizable Energy
NDF Neutral Detergent Fibre
NFE Nitrogen-Free Extract
SPS School of Postgraduate Studies
SPSS Statistical Package for the Social Sciences
ZMLM Ziziphus mauritiana Leaf Meal