Effects of Feeding Pennisetum purpureum Silage Supplemented with Selected Farm Residues on Growth Performance, Digestibility and Nitrogen Metabolism of West African Dwarf Buck

This study investigates the effects of feeding Pennisetum purpureum (Napier grass) silage supplemented with farm residues on growth performance, digestibility, and nitrogen metabolism in West African Dwarf bucks. Sixteen bucks were fed varying levels of Napier grass (100%, 70%, 50%, and 30%) with cassava peel, maize stover, groundnut husk, and yam peel as supplementary feeds. The findings reveal that supplementation significantly improved growth rates, feed efficiency, and nutrient digestibility. Higher supplementation (T4: 70% supplement) resulted in the highest weight gain (11.57 kg), improved dry matter and protein digestibility, and enhanced nitrogen retention. Napier grass alone, with low dry matter and protein content, was insufficient to meet the nutritional needs of the bucks, reinforcing the need for protein and energy-dense supplements. The study concludes that strategic supplementation of Napier grass-based diets with locally available farm residues can optimize goat growth and production efficiency. It recommends that smallholder farmers adopt diets with up to 70% supplementation to maximize growth, feed efficiency, and nitrogen retention, contributing to enhanced livestock productivity. Keyweords: Pennisetum purpureum, West African Dwarf bucks, supplementation, growth performance, nitrogen metabolism, feed efficiency.