Evaluation of Growth Performance and Blood Parameters of Goats Fed Cassava Peel-Based Diets

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background to the Study

Goat production plays an important role in the agricultural economy of many developing countries, particularly in Africa. Goats are valued for their adaptability, meat, milk, and skin production. However, the cost of conventional feed ingredients limits productivity, especially among smallholder farmers (Okeke et al., 2020). As a result, there is growing interest in using agricultural by-products such as cassava peels as alternative feed resources.

Cassava peels are abundant, rich in carbohydrates, and can serve as a partial energy source in livestock diets when properly processed. Studies have shown that cassava peel inclusion can enhance feed efficiency and reduce production costs, although excessive levels may introduce anti-nutritional factors such as cyanogenic glycosides (Adejinmi et al., 2019). Therefore, proper inclusion levels are crucial to maintaining animal health and performance.

This study aims to evaluate the growth performance and blood parameters of goats fed cassava peel-based diets under controlled feeding conditions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

High feed costs hinder goat production efficiency. Despite the availability of cassava by-products, many farmers underutilize them due to limited knowledge of their nutritional value and safety levels. This study seeks to assess whether cassava peel-based diets can support optimal growth and maintain normal blood parameters in goats.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study are to:

1. Assess the growth performance of goats fed varying levels of cassava peel-based diets.

2. Evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters of the goats.

3. Determine the economic viability of cassava peel inclusion in goat diets.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How does cassava peel inclusion affect the growth performance of goats?

2. What are the effects of cassava peel-based diets on blood parameters?

3. Is cassava peel inclusion economically feasible for smallholder goat production?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The research will provide useful insights for goat farmers on how to utilize cassava peels effectively. It will also contribute to feed resource diversification and cost reduction strategies in small ruminant production (Oluwafemi et al., 2021).

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study will focus on goats reared under controlled feeding conditions with different cassava peel inclusion levels. Limitations may include variations in cassava peel quality and detoxification efficiency.

1.7 Definition of Terms

Cassava Peels: The outer covering of cassava tubers, often used as an alternative energy source in livestock feed.
Blood Parameters: Indicators of an animal’s health status obtained from hematological and biochemical tests.
Growth Performance: The rate of weight gain and feed utilization in animals.

References
Adejinmi, O. O., Taiwo, A. A., & Lawal, A. O. (2019). Nutritional evaluation of cassava peels as feed for goats. Journal of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science, 29(2), 114–122.
Okeke, I. J., Onyeka, U. C., & Ezeokeke, C. T. (2020). Utilization of cassava by-products in small ruminant feeding systems. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science, 22(1), 55–63.
Oluwafemi, R. A., Adeyemo, A. A., & Ogunleke, A. F. (2021). Performance of goats fed alternative feed ingredients. African Journal of Livestock Production, 13(3), 119–128.