PERFORMANCE OF RED SOKOTO BUCKS FED GRADED LEVELS OF MOLASSES TREATED RICE MILLING WASTE IN MICHIKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OFADAMAWA STATE
Abstract
Abstract
This study was conducted in Michika Local Government Area of Adamawa State to evaluate the performance of Red Sokoto bucks fed graded levels of molasses-treated and untreated rice milling waste. A total of sixteen (16) clinically healthy bucks (10–12 months old; average body weight 12–14 kg) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The treatments consisted of T1 (untreated RMW), T2 (10% molasses-treated RMW), T3 (20% molasses-treated RMW), and T4 (30% molasses-treated RMW). Diets were formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of goats and the experiment lasted for 56 days after a 2-week adaptation period. Performance parameters measured included feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and nutrient digestibility. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 23, with ANOVA and LSD at a 5% probability level of significance. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) effects of molasses treatment on feed intake, body weight gain, and nutrient digestibility. Goats on T4 recorded the highest average daily feed intake (869.46 g/day), body weight gain (9.38 kg), and crude protein digestibility (87.82%), while T1 (untreated RMW) had the lowest values. Feed conversion efficiency improved with increasing molasses levels, with T4 outperforming other treatments. These findings corroborate earlier reports that molasses enhances rumen fermentation, improves fiber degradation, and increases nutrient utilization. The study concludes that molasses treatment significantly improves the nutritive value of rice milling waste, thereby enhancing growth performance and nutrient utilization in Red Sokoto goats. Molasses inclusion up to 30% proved most effective and is recommended for smallholder farmers in resource-limited areas as a cost-effective feeding strategy. The utilization of molasses-treated RMW not only provides an economical feed alternative but also promotes environmental sustainability through recycling of agro-industrial by-products.
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