B.A.R. CAREW

Animal nutritionist, Small Ruminant Programme, International Livestock Centre for Africa, P.M.B. 5320, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Abstract

Eight West African dwarf goats and an equal number of West African dwarf sheep weighing an average of 14 and 18 kg respectively were fed a sole diet of Gliricidia sepium ad libitum for a continuous period of 21 weeks. For both species there was a sharp drop in liveweight and feed intake at the introduction of the test feed. This loss was sustained in both species until about the 5th week. Thereafter liveweight increased progressively until the end of the experiment. Gliricidia sepium as sole feed had no long term effect on the health of the animals and can safely be used to maintain dwarf sheep and goats through the dry season.