Ikhimioya, 2008. Livest. Res. Rural Dev., 20 (6)

Preference ranking for five leaves from shrubs/trees namely Afzelia africana, Bambusa vulgaris, Chromolaena odorata, Mangifera indica and Newbouldia laevis, was evaluated using 16 indigenous West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. The average daily intake of the trial leaves by the goats significantly (P < 0.01) varied ranging from 0.95 (Chromolaena odorata) to 4.67 (Bambusa vulgaris) kg/day. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in relative palatability index (RPI) among the leaves were also observed. Preference rankings (i.e. 1st to 5th) for the examined leaves produced the following order: Bambusa vulgaris> Mangifera indica > Afzelia africana> Newbouldia laevis> Chromolaena odorata respectively. Thus, Bambusa vulgaris appeared to be most preferred by the goats compared to the least preference value recorded for Chromolaena odorata. Relative palatability index was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with average daily intake and ash (P < 0.05) content of the leaves while there was a non-significant negative relationship with the fibre components NDF, ADF and lignin.

It is concluded that WAD goats prefer shrub/tree leaves variously and that this type of study could aid in the planning of supplemental feeding programs for ruminant animals.