* Belewu, M. A. and Adenuga, O. S.
                                                           Microbial Biotechnology and Dairy Science Laboratory
                                                           Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria;
                                                           milyinka@yahoo.com 

Abstract

Effect of feed intake and digestibility of fungus-treated rice husks on growing goats was determined. Sixteen West African dwarf goats (Av. Initial body weight = 4.85kg) in a completely randomized design model with 56 days period consumed untreated rice husk control diet A (30%) inclusion level of non fungal treated rice husk) and fungal treated rice husk diets B (10%), C (20%) and D (30%). Total crude protein intake increased (P<0.05) with fungal treatment of rice husk and was similar among treated diets 18.9g/d (A), 21.7g/d (B), 24.6g/d (C) and 23.6g/d (D). On the contrary, the crude fibre intake decreased significantly (P<0.05) for the fungal treated diets than the control (diet A). Total dry matter digestibility in the last week of the trial ranked (P<0.05), B(76.6%) >D(75.4%) >C(74.6%) and >A (69.7%). Crude protein and crude fibre digestibilities increased (P<0.05) for the treated diets than for diet A (control). Live weight gain was greater (P<0.05) for diet C, greater (P<0.05) for D than A (control). Dry matter intake: weight gain was greater (P<0.05) with than without fungal treatment. Inclusion of Aspergillus niger treated rice husk in growing goat diet result in high digestibility of organic matter and better weight gain by the animals.

Keywords: Aspergilus niger, rice husk, feed intake, digestibility.