Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate- and Enzyme-Treated Corncob Flake Diets on Nutrient Intake and Digestibility in West African Dwarf Bucks

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of sodium bicarbonate- and enzyme-treated corncob-based diets on nutrient intake and digestibility in West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks. Eighteen mature WAD bucks (15–20 kg) were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments in a completely randomized design, with three animals per treatment. The control diet (T0) contained 45% whole cassava root meal (WCRM), while T1 and T3 contained 22.50% WCRM and 22.50% sodium bicarbonate-treated or Natuzyme-treated corncob flakes, respectively. T2 and T4 contained 45% sodium bicarbonate-treated or Natuzyme-treated corncob flakes, respectively, as replacements for WCRM, while T5 contained 22.50% sodium bicarbonate-treated and 22.50% Natuzyme-treated corncob flakes as replacements for WCRM. Dietary treatment significantly (P < 0.05) affected several measures of nutrient intake and digestibility. Concentrate dry matter intake was highest in T4 (493.40 g/head/day), followed by T3 (483.10 g/head/day) and T5 (477.80 g/head/day), while crude protein intake was highest in T3 (71.47 g/head/day). Dry matter and crude protein digestibility were highest in T3 (82.66% and 77.96%, respectively). Ether extract digestibility was highest in T3 (35.48%), while crude fibre digestibility was highest in T4 (57.81%). Neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility were highest in T3 (72.45% and 47.36%, respectively). Concentrate dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ash, nitrogen-free extract, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre intake were significantly affected by dietary treatment, whereas ether extract, acid detergent lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose intake were not significantly affected. Nitrogen-free extract digestibility was highest in T2 and T4 (75.10%). Hemicellulose and cellulose digestibility were not significantly affected. Overall, the T3 diet provided the most favorable combination of nutrient intake and digestibility among the diets evaluated.