Effects of <i>Faidherbia albida</i> Dry Pods Supplementation on Carcass, Non Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Boer x Gogo and Malya x Gogo Goats

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of <i>Faidherbia albida </i>dry pod supplementation as the main protein source on carcass characteristics, non-carcass components and meat quality of two goat's crosses (Boer x Gogo and Malya x Gogo). Thirty-six (36) goats aged 6-7 months weighing 11.02±1.59 kg, were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups. T1 comprised concentrate supplementary diet with <i>Faidherbia albida </i>dry pods as the main protein source, T2 comprised a concentrate supplementary diet with sunflower seed cake as the main protein source while T3 was grazing/ browsing in natural pastures without supplementation. The experimental period was 90 days. At 90 days six goats from each treatment were randomly selected and slaughtered from each treatment. Carcass and non-carcass characteristics were measured. Quality attribute included cooking loss, pH, shear force and chemical composition. Malya x Gogo goats had significantly heavier carcass weight, body weight and non-carcass weight (P < 0.05) than Boer x Gogo. Boer x Gogo and female had significant (P < 0.05) higher percentages of non carcass as proportional to slaughter body weight. Supplemented goats (T1 &T2) had significant (P < 0.05) better carcass characteristics than non-supplemented goats, (T3). Meat quality did not differ among breeds or sex of the goat. The result shows that supplementation of goats improves carcass characteristics and meat quality regardless of breed or sex. Thus, farmers can utilize <i>Faidherbia albida </i>pods as an alternative cheap source of protein in raising goats in semi-arid areas where the plant is found.