American Journal of Zoology

2023; 6(4): 72-83

http://www.sciencepublishinggroup.com/j/ajz
doi: 10.11648/j.ajz.20230604.12
ISSN: 2994-7413 (Online)

Substitution of Poultry Litter for Concentrate Mix as Protein

Supplement on Growth Performance of Arsi-Bale Goat
Asha Ahmed1, 2, *, Taye Tolemariam2, Ashebir Worku3
1
Oromia Livestock Development Agency, Adami Tulu Jido Kombolcha District Livestock Office, Batu, Ethiopia
2
Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
3
Oromia Agricultural Research Institute, Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center, Batu, Ethiopia

Email address:
*
Corresponding author

To cite this article:

Asha Ahmed, Taye Tolemariam, Ashebir Worku. (2023). Substitution of Poultry Litter for Concentrate Mix as Protein Supplement on
Growth Performance of Arsi-Bale Goat. American Journal of Zoology, 6(4), 72-83. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajz.20230604.12

Received: November 5, 2023; Accepted: November 30, 2023; Published: December 18, 2023

Abstract: Twenty-five intact yearling goats, were randomly assigned to a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with
five treatments and five replications. The aim was to assess the impact of different levels of poultry litter (PL) on feed intake,
digestibility, growth performance, and economic return of Arsi Bale goats. Different levels of poultry litter were supplemented
in various treatment groups i.e T1- 38.5 % Noug Seed Cake (NSC) + 60.5 % Wheat Bran (WB) + 1% Salt) being control group,
T2 (31.6% NSC + 57.4%WB + 10% PL + 1% Salt), T3 (24.8% NSC + 54.3%WB + 20% PL + 1% Salt), T4 (17.9% NSC +
51.1%WB + 30% PL + 1% Salt) and T5 (11.5% NSC + 47.5%WB + 40% PL + 1% Salt). The trial lasted for 90 days, and there
were seven days of digestibility testing. There was no significant difference in initial body weight (IBW) and final body weight
(FBW) among the treatments, but a significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in the total body weight gain (TWG) and
average daily weight gain (AGD). Goats supplemented with the highest level of poultry litter (T5) gained more weight (P<0.05)
than the other groups. The results indicate that supplementing with 40% PL is more effective in increasing weight gain and is
economically feasible compared to the other treatments and the control group. No significant difference (P<0.05) was observed
in dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), and crude protein intake (CPI) with increased levels of
supplementation. Digestibility did not differ significantly among the treatments. The feed conversion ratio was 6.33, 8.00, 8.18,
11.77, and 11.29 g/gm gain for T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively. Therefore, poultry litter can substitute up to 40% as
source of protein for NSC and/or WB without affecting the nutrients utilization but with improved growth performance of
goats. Further levels of inclusion of PL and the necessary physical or chemical treatments are recommended to assess more
profitable return and possible impact on carcass quality.
Keywords: Arsi Bale Goats, Body Weight, Feed Intake, Digestibility, Poultry Litter

sales, manure used as crop fertilizer and fuel, fiber, and skins,
1. Introduction as well as intangible benefits, such as savings, emergency
In Ethiopia, goats are commonly found across various insurance, cultural and ceremonial services [2]. Goat
agro-ecological zones and play a crucial role in the production is a significant contributor to Ethiopia's economy
livelihoods of different communities. They are an essential and supports the majority of farm and non-farm families. In
part of households, providing both nutrition and disposable 2021, there were approximately 52.46 million goats in the
income [1]. Goats are raised in a range of farming systems, country [3].
from small-scale operations on limited land resources to The animals provide approximately 45.8% of all domestic
extensive pastoral systems on large tracts of land. These meat consumption, with a small surplus that generates export
animals offer both tangible benefits, such as meat and milk income primarily from the sale of live animals [4]. However,
for home consumption, cash income from animal and milk the income from live animals and processed meat is
 American Journal of Zoology 2023; 6(4): 72-83 73

relatively small compared to the country's potential. Ethiopia 1.5 kg poultry excreta over a period of 6 weeks whilst a layer
has the lowest levels of meat production per animal. The type bird produces on average 16.7 kg poultry excreta
annual meat production per head of goat is 8.5 kg [5]. While annually [16]. The production costs of formulating the
there are various reasons for the low productivity of animals, dietary rations were reduced by 20-40%. In this respect, the
feed resources and feeding systems are the primary factors use of poultry litter is a novel approach, which provides a
that account for 65-70% of the total rearing cost of ruminants good opportunity to feed manufacturers and entrepreneurs to
and other livestock. Feed is undoubtedly the most significant remove disparities in available feed and supplying balanced
input cost in animal production [6]. Lack of proper nutrition feed to the ruminant stock farmers on a large scale [16].
has been identified as the key constraint to animal production Even though there are different works in different country
in developing regions [7]. In such cases, the performance of other than Ethiopia it is more focus on dairy animals, beef,
animals is ultimately below optimal levels. Due to an and sheep with little on goats. There are also wide variations
increase in population, grazing land and land for fodder and in the nutritional composition depending on bedding material,
grass production have decreased significantly. As a result, quantity of bedding material per surface unit, density of bird
cereal crop residues such as wheat straw, teff straw, and per unit, type of bird, length of rearing period, production
maize stover have become the primary source of feed for intensity, level of Minerals (Mg, Cl, Na and K), ambient
many ruminant animals [8]. In fact, feed costs now make up temperature and humidity, housing, feed wastage, litter
over 70% of production costs. Over the past five years, feed management, nature of ingredients in the ration, type of
ingredient and compound feed prices in Ethiopia have risen storage and storage time [14]. In this regard, there are no well
by an average of 52% and 82%, respectively, according to a documented information on use of poultry litter for fattening
report from the Ethiopian Meat and Dairy Industry of Goat in Ethiopia. Therefore, the objective of study was to
Development Institute (reporterethiopia.com/article/animal- evaluate substitution of Poultry litter for Concentrate mix as
feed-prices-hike 2021). Some commercial farms, both dairy protein supplement on growth performance of Arsi-Bale goat.
and beef producers, have even had to close due to low returns
on investment. In the last five months, animal feed prices in 2. Materials and Methods
Ethiopia have soared, with concentrate feed prices doubling
since November 2020 (reporterethiopia.com/article/animal- 2.1. Description of the Study Area
feed-prices-hike 2021). For example, a product called noug
seed cake, commonly used by dairy and beef farms, has The experiment was conducted at AdamiTullu agricultural
increased in price from 1,400 birrs to 3,800 birrs. research center, which is in East Shewa zone of Oromia
Additionally, a byproduct from wheat flour factories that Region at about 168 kilometers of Addis Ababa, situated in
used to cost 1,200 birr per quintal now costs 2,400 birrs [9]. the central rift valley of Ethiopia (Figure 1). The center is
Crop residues make up 80% of the feed for low land areas located between 7°52′N to 38°42′E with an elevation of 1636
during dry seasons [8]. However, farmers have not been meters above sea level. The agro-ecological zone of the area
successful in establishing improved forage and is semi-arid and sub humid with acacia woodland vegetation
supplementation, which could be due to a lack of awareness, type. The mean annual rain falls is 760mm. The minimum
availability of inputs, or affordability. As a result, many and maximum temperatures are 12.6°C and 27°C,
resource-poor smallholders, who make up the majority of respectively [9]. The Center was established in 1966 under
livestock farmers in the tropical region, are unable to provide the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR), now EIAR. The
their animals with good quality feed and balanced nutrients. total area of land it covers is 396 hectors.
Lack of proper nutrition has been identified as the primary 2.2. Experimental Feeds Preparation and Feeding
constraint to animal production in developing regions [7]. To Management
address the issues caused by the scarcity and high cost of
protein supplements, there is a need to explore alternative Poultry litter was collected from poultry farm found in
protein feed sources. The high costs and limited availability Adami Tullu agricultural research center. Sun drying method
of plant protein sources have led to research interest in of poultry litter was used to process the collected poultry
identifying cheaper protein alternatives [10, 11]. litter. The collected poultry litter was sun dried till the dry
Reports from Ghaly [12] and Bolan et al. [13] suggest that matter reaches 85%. The dried litter was sifted before feeding
poultry litter is a promising alternative feed resource, with up to remove foreign material, lumps, and bird’s carcass. Sun
to 42% crude protein (CP) and a low cost of 135 birr/quintal. light heat treatment destroys pathogens and is the cheapest of
Of the CP available in poultry litter, one-third is true protein, drying methods.
while the remaining two-thirds are non-protein nitrogen [14]. Experimental feeds composed of concentrate mix having
In addition to providing protein, poultry litter also supplies wheat bran and noug seed cake where poultry litter was used
energy, fat, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, to replace the protein source in the concentrate and provided
sulfur, and zinc, which are essential nutrients for animals to the experimental animals. Experimental feeds were offered
[15]. Poultry production is one of the fastest growing sectors in two equal portions twice a day at 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
of livestock production in the world with an average annual The offer was adjusted once every two weeks based on the
growth rate of 35% [12]. Each broiler on average produces animal body weight and enough access to drinking water.
74 Asha Ahmed et al.: Substitution of Poultry Litter for Concentrate Mix as Protein Supplement on Growth Performance of
Arsi-Bale Goat

Figure 1. Map that shows the study area.

diseases in the area. Thereafter, the experimental animals

2.3. Experimental Animals and Their Management were assigned into different treatments after which the
For this experiment, twenty-five yearling male Arsi-Bale animals are randomly put into a separate well aerated pen
Goats were used from Adami Tullu agricultural research having a feed trough (Figure 2). Each animal was offered
center stocks. The experimental animals were quarantined for feeds allotted for its respective treatment depending on NRC
fifteen days and vaccinated against common infectious requirement [17] with grass hay and water is adlib.

Figure 2. Goats under trial in different pen.

body weight (IBW) into five blocks consisting of five

2.4. Experimental Design and Treatments animals. The ingredients used to formulate the concentrate
The experiment was conducted by using a randomized include wheat bran (WB), Noug seed cake (NSC) where the
complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and five NSC was replaced by poultry litter (PL) at the rate indicated
replications. Animals were blocked based on their initial in table 1 below.
 American Journal of Zoology 2023; 6(4): 72-83 75

Table 1. Proportion of feed ingredient (on DM basis) across each treatment groups.

Feed Mix Ratio

Feed type
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5
Grass hay Adlibitum Adlibitum Adlibitum Adlibitum Adlibitum
Noug cake (NSC) 38.5 31.6 24.8 17.9 11.5
Wheat bran (WB) 60.5 57.4 54.3 51.1 47.5
Poulty litte (PL) 0 10 20 30 40
Salt 1 1 1 1 1
Total 100 100 100 100 100

2.7. Digestibility
2.5. Feeding Trial
The digestibility trial was conducted at the end of feeding
The feeding trial was conduct for 90 days following 14 trail for seven days. The expermental animals were fitted
days of adaptation period. The amount of feed offered and with fecal collection bags and adapted to carrying them for
the corresponding refusal was weighed and recorded for each three days before actual data collection. After acclimatization,
goat to determine feed intake. Representative samples of the experimental animals were given their respective rations
feeds offered and refusal for each animal was collected and during which time the voluntary intakes of each animal was
pooled per treatment and dried in an oven at 650C for 72 determined. The preliminary period was then be followed by
hours. Mean daily DM and nutrients intake was determined a collection period of seven days, during which time daily
as a difference of offered and that of refused. feed offered and refusal, feces voided was measured.
2.6. Live Weight Change and Feed Conversion Efficiency The amount of feces voided daily was collected separately in
a bag harnessed to each animal. The content was emptied into a
Refusal feeds from each goat in the treatment group were plastic bag labeled for each animal every 24 hours and the
collected and weighed every day before the daily feed quantity were weighed and recorded. Ten percent of the feces
allowance was provided. All data on body weight change of voided was weighed and frozen in a container for each animal.
experimental goats were collected fortnightly from the The seven days collection was pooled and composite samples of
commencement of the trials to the end of the study periods. feces was thawed to room temperature, mixed thoroughly, and
All animals were weighed in the morning hours using dried at 65 oc to a constant weight for 24 h. The dried sample of
suspended or digital weighing scale. Daily body weight gain the feces were ground to pass through 1 mm sieve and stored in
was calculated as the difference between final live weight air tight plastic bag containers until analyzed.
and initial live weight divided by the number of feeding days. Nutrient digestibility of the feed was calculated using the
Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was calculated according data on the feed DMI, fecal DM output, nutrient intake, and
to the following author [18] as: fecal nutrient output. Digestible nutrients were computed by
multiplying the percentage composition of each nutrient in
FCE = Daily live weight gain (g)/ Daily feed intake (g) the feed by its apparent digestibility.

Digestibility of Nutrient % = × 100

Figure 3. Feed analysis procedure in Adamii tulu agricultural research center.

76 Asha Ahmed et al.: Substitution of Poultry Litter for Concentrate Mix as Protein Supplement on Growth Performance of
Arsi-Bale Goat

2.8. Chemical Analysis of Feed variable cost of the treatment minus total variable cost of the
control. ∆NI = ∆TR - ∆TVC. The marginal rate of return
The chemical analysis of the feed offered and refusal was (MRR), which measures the increase in net income (∆NI) in
performed at Adami Tulu Agricultural Research Center feed relation with additional unit of expenditure on supplemental
laboratory (Figure 3). Samples of feed offered and composite feeds (∆TVC) is expressed as MRR = ∆NI/∆TVC.
of refusal feed were dried in an oven at 650C for 72 hours
and ground to pass 1 mm sieve screen size. The ground 2.10. Statistical Analysis
samples were kept in air-tight plastic bags pending chemical
analysis. The nitrogen (N), Dry matter (DM), Organic matter Data on feed intake and body weight change were
(OM), and ash content were analyzed according to AOAC analyzed using the general linear model procedure of SAS
[19]. The crude protein (CP) content was calculated by (2009). The treatment means will be separated by least
multiplying N content with a factor of 6.25. Neutral detergent significant difference (LSD). The model used for data
fibers (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent analysis was:
lignin (ADL) were analyzed based on the method of Van Yij = µ + Ti + Bj +Eij
Soest and Robertson [20].
Where; Yij = Response variable, µ = Overall mean, Ti =
2.9. Partial Budget Analysis Treatment effect, Bj = Block effect, Eij = Random error
The partial budget analysis and marginal rate of return
were calculated to determine the profitability of the five 3. Results and Discussions
different supplemental feeds fed to growing bucks under on
station management conditions. According to Ehui and Rey 3.1. Chemical Composition
[21] Net income (NI) was calculated as the amount of money The dry matter (DM), Ash, organic matter (OM), Neutral
left when total variable cost (TVC) was subtracted from total Detergent Fibre (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF), Lignin,
returns (TR). In this experiment the variable costs included and Crude Protein (CP) contents of all the feed ingredients
estimated purchase price of the bucks before entering the used in the feeding trial was presented in Table 2. The CP
feeding trial, purchase of supplemental feed cost and labour content of noug cake used in this experiment was comparable
cost for preparation of the supplemental feed and cost for to that reported by Van Ryssen [22] (30 %) but lower than
medicaments and treatments. While total return (TR) was the report of Olson and Daniel [23] (35%). However, the ash
estimated sale price of the goats. (NI= TR-TVC). Change in content of noug cake (15.45%) was higher than reported by
net income (∆NI) was computed as the difference between [11] (7.35 %). These differences may be due to the method of
change in total return (∆TR) which was total return of the extraction employed, which brings about differences in
given treatment minus total return of the control treatment chemical composition [24].
(T1) and change in total variable cost (∆TVC) was total

Table 2. Proximate compositions of ingredients of grass hay, concentrate and treatment.

Feed sample DM Ash OM NDF ADF Lignin CP ME (MJ/Kg/DM)

Hay 92.74 9.32 90.68 81.44 56.08 11.67 3.96 -
PL 90.18 15.45 84.55 58.09 20.83 6,15 27.00 -
NSC 91.98 12.51 87.49 39.64 31.56 9.16 32.00 -
WB 90.56 4.58 95.45 36.44 9.78 2.74 16.00 -
TI 91.28 6.94 93.06 44.26 22.06 5.25 22.00 11.93
T2 92.02 10.16 89.84 48.66 23.61 6.59 22.00 11.78
T3 91.36 9.07 90.93 38.86 16.03 3.85 22.00 11.d45
T4 91.28 11.33 88.67 47 17.2 4.47 22.00 11.27
T5 91.45 10.2 88.8 46.15 18.06 5.4 22.09 11.38

DM = Dry matter, CP = Crude protein, NDF = Neutral detergent fiber, ADF = Acid detergent fiber. T1= treatment one … T5= treatment five.

The CP content of wheat bran in this study was between 15 - 35% of DM. However, it was lower than the CP
comparable to the value of 16.5 and 16.82 reported by content of 30.3% [31], and higher than (18-22%) reported by
Melaku et. al [25] and Tesfaye [26] respectively. But lower Van Ryssen [22] and (16.5%) report by Nwaigwe [32].
than the value 17.19% and 19.99% reported by Tesfaye [26] Many factors could contribute to the observed variation in
and Fitwi and Tadesse [27] respectively. The variation might CP content of poultry litter which includes methods of
be because of processing in milling industries and the quality processing [33], the proportion of excreta in the litter [34],
of the original grain used in the milling industries. The CP types of bedding material [35] and the environmental
content of the poultry litter used in this study was 27.00 % conditions under which the manure was conserved [34]. As
(DM basis), which was similar to those reported for layers indicated in Table 3, although the CP content of poultry litter
litter [28] and 27.8% [29]. Goetsch and Aiken [30] also was lower than that of noug cake, the quantity CP in poultry
reported the range of CP content in poultry litter to be litter (27.00%) is more than adequate for supplementing
 American Journal of Zoology 2023; 6(4): 72-83 77

animals fed on poor quality feeds with low N content [17]. optimum rumen function [40]. Reports indicated that the
Poultry litter in the current trial contained higher total ash levels of NDF are usually between 30 and 60%; [23] whereas
(15.45%) as compared to that found in noug cake (12.51%), the present finding has lower ADF but higher NDF than the
which was also higher than the content in wheat bran that report of Abdul et. al [41] which indicated 28.2%, 30.29 and
contained 9.32 %. This may be attributed to the bedding 38.62.
material used in the poultry house. The ash content of poultry Similarly, DM and ash content observed in this study are
litter in this experiment was low as compared to the value of within the expected limits for normal rumen functions [17];
21.50% reported by Hadjipanayotou [36], but was however, the CP content of PL was quite low compared to
comparable to the value of 18.01% reported by Negesse [37]. results by [42, 43]. This is however, acceptable as poultry
McDonald [24] indicated that other things being equal, the manure has a wide variability in terms of its nutrient content
higher the level of ash in the feed samples, the lower will be [44]. Furthermore, Animut et. al [45] and Alam et. al [46] also
its energy value. identified that poultry litter is more nutritious. Nevertheless,
The CP content of the hay in the current study (3.96%) the CP content is above the dietary requirement of 7.3 – 7.8
was lower than the value of 7.75 % reported by Berhanu [38] g/kg DM as reported by NRC [17] for goats. The NDF content
and 6.77% reported by Negesse [37], but higher than that of PL in the current study is considered adequate for ruminant
reported (4%) by Ayalew [39]. Such difference could be animals although the ADF was quite low. This was also
attributed to the stage of harvesting during the preparation of expected since poultry litter is low in energy [47].
hay, soil type and structures [24] and types of forage used for
hay making. Numerous evidences indicated that high cell 3.2. Feeding Trial
wall constituents set a limit to the intake potential by physical 3.2.1. Daily Feed and Nutrient Intake
fill and by reducing the digestibility of feeds. As plants Average daily intakes of supplement were given in Table 3.
mature, the cell wall constituents (cellulose and The mean daily supplement feed DMI and OMI were not
hemicelluloses) and lignin also increase and the percentage significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Feed
of protein decrease [24]. The same author reports that the intake in goats is influence by many factors, i.e energy level,
higher fiber content results in lower DM digestibility, protein concentration, palatability, digestibility, live weight,
digestible energy, and TD. Therefore, it is important to fatness, breed, sex, age, environmental temperature, and
supplement the basal feed with better N containing feeds in physiological state of animal [48]. Of these factors’ energy
order to balance its deficiency of N, and thereby support level, digestibility and physical state of the diet are the most
reasonable animal production. Indeed, Greer et. al [40] important factors that limit intake. Owen et. al [49] reported
suggested that basal forages with less than 7% CP require that with decreasing metabolize energy in the diet, voluntary
protein supplementation to offset limitations on voluntary feed intake was increased. Body weight gain and feed
feed intake. The CP content of the diets is sufficient enough efficiency are affected by feed intake. As Esenbuga et al [50]
to use them as supplements, since they supplied more than stated, animals which eat more will produce more.
the minimum (7%) CP content recommended to support

Table 3. Effect of substituting different level of poultry on nutrient intake of Arsi-Bale goats.

Treatments
Intake (g/head/day) Mean SEM P Value
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5
DM 441 481 493 473 437 465 0.067 0.46
OM 436 472 486 467 430 459 0.066 0.61
CP 106 115 118 114 105 112 0.034 0.62
NDF 214 236 241 231 214 227 0.034 0.60
ADF 91 102 104 100 90 98 0.016 0.53

DM: Dry matter, OM: organic Matter, CP: Crude protein; NDF: Neural detergent fiber and ADF: Acid detergent fiber, T1= treatment one … T5= treatment
five.

Dry matter intake of the supplemental feed was not Holstein and Jersey cows. No decrease in DMI in PL fed
significantly affected by substitution with poultry litter goats may be related to appropriate processing method of
(Table 3). Mixing the poultry litter with the concentrate did litter. The litter processing had an important role in removing
not have significant effect on the intake of poultry litter by pathogens and palatability of diets, so goats can consume it
the ruminants. The mixing action also delivered adequate properly [52]. The observation of feed intake indicated that
amount of energy and protein for the microbes in the rumen the feed intake of the diets was not affected as increasing the
to utilize the non-protein nitrogenous substance in the poultry PL level in the diets. In agreement with the results of this
litter. Based on the results, adding PL in the diet did not study, Talib and Ahmed [53], found that PL containing diets
decrease DMI which was in consistence with the results of have appropriate feed intake and did not decrease DMI.
[42] reported that increasing PL level in the diet did not The present result is disagreed with the result of [28]
reduce DMI. Knowlton, et al. [51] also indicated that PL which indicated in an increase in total feed intake as the
containing diets did not reduce DM and water intake in replacement level of noug cake by poultry litter in the diets
78 Asha Ahmed et al.: Substitution of Poultry Litter for Concentrate Mix as Protein Supplement on Growth Performance of
Arsi-Bale Goat

increased up to the level of 28 % inclusion and the intake was experiment. This concurs with the observations made by [56],
decreased when the substitute is beyond 28%. This result also who reported that, feed intake increases with time for housed
disagrees with the report of Tinnimit et. al [54] who reported goats. In another study by [52], DMI increased in lambs fed a
that goats even refused to consume ration containing more diet containing 450 g/kg sundried poultry litter compared
than 30% poultry litter and Ensminger and Olentine [55] who with those fed 0, 150 or 300 g/kg of poultry litter. This
reported that high mineral content of rations reduces appetite suggests that generally poultry manure does not influence
of animals. The DMI of this result also contradicted with [31] DMI.
reported increased level poultry litter inoculation in the goat
diet decreased the DMI of the goats. This may arise from the 3.2.2. Live Weight Change
sources of the poultry litter and the feed ingredients Least-square means (LSM) of final body weight (FBW),
incorporated in the litter. total weight gains (TWG), and average daily weight gains
Obeidat, et al. [42] suggest that poultry manure is a (ADG) of the experimental goats fed on the different levels
valuable ruminant feed relative to any other environmentally- of poultry litter are indicated in Table 4. There is no
friendly way of poultry manure disposal [52]. Feed intake statistically significant difference in IBW, and FBW but
was relatively low in the first two weeks of the trial but there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the TWG and
steadily increased with time until the last week of the AGD.

Table 4. Final body weight and body weight gains of the Goats during the fattening days.

Treatments
Parameter
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5
IBW (kg) 23.64±0.52 23.02±0.85 23.33±0.49 22.49±0.66 22.99±0.14
FBW (kg) 26.43±0.34 26.07±1.10 26.86±0.49 26.97±0.74 27.76±0.31
TWG (kg) 2.79±0.29b 3.05±0.67b 3.53±0.28ab 4.48±0.27a 4.77±0.23a
ADG (g) 31.01±3.23b 33.89±7.42b 39.22±3.14ab 49.78±2.99a 53.00±2.58a
FCR 6.33± 0.73c 8.00 ±1.51bc 8.18± 0.58b 11.77±1.37a 11.29±0.74a

Where ADG = average daily gain, TWG= total weight gain, FBW= Final body weight and IBW = initial body weight; FBW = final body weight; TWG; ADG
= average daily gain; FCR= Feed conversion ratio, T1= treatment one … T5= treatment five.

In this study, ADG tended to be significantly different compared to control groups. This was disagreed with reports
among different treatments, in which ADG was greater for by [53, 57] who reports that ADG and TG of goats under PL
the goats consuming feed group of T4 (30%) and T5 (40%) is low compared to grazing animals by mentioning the major
diet than those consumed other diets. Control and T3 diet had reason for this could be the effect of Star grass and Luecaena
the least ADG. High ADG in higher levels of PL fed goats leucocephala browse species in which the goats had free
compared to the other group may be related to numerically access throughout the trial.
higher DMI. In contrast to this finding Obeidat et al [42] As observed in the whole feeding trial, the increment in
reported that there was no significant difference in ADG in LBW change was low at the initial stage of the trial, but
lambs which were fed different levels of PL in their diet. increased gradually (Figure 4).
The ADG and TWG of goats under PL were higher

Where, IBW =initial body weight, W2 = Weeks 2, W6 = weeks 6, W10= weeks 10 and W12= weeks 12, T1= treatment one … T5= treatment five.
Figure 4. Body weight change of yearling Arsi Bale Goats in the five treatments over the total fattening period.
 American Journal of Zoology 2023; 6(4): 72-83 79

The current result is in agreement with conclusion of [58] Moreover, the result is in agreement with the finding of
which indicated that low supply of rumen undegradable protein [60] supplementing dairy cows with concentrate mix at 22%
in animals supplemented with the highest levels of poultry litter poultry litter as a replacement of ground nut cake increased
inclusion, and rumen undegradable protein were reported to be total dry matter intake and did not depress the body weight
more useful in promoting daily live weight gain. An increased and reproductive performance of a cow as compared to cow
daily weight for higher level of poultry litter show that the fed supplementation only on ground nut cake in experiment
additive benefit of noug cake and poultry litter as ingredients in conducted in Haramaya University. The ADG in the current
the diets. The CP in poultry litter consists of both true protein N study shows smooth increment up to the end of the trial
and NPN, with uric acid as the main NPN component. The NPN (Figure 5).
was used to meet the ammonia requirement of microorganism
found in the rumen; therefore, making more microbial protein 3.2.3. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
available to the animal which was expressed in better daily gains The treatment 4 and 5 had significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05)
[14]. The DLWG found in supplemented bucks of this study feed conversion ratio than the other substitution and control
was in agreement with the observation of [59] who reported once. T3 had significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) feed conversion
41.67±3.56 g/d for Babari goats supplemented with a efficiency as compared to the highest-level poultry litter
concentrate mix with poultry litter proportion was 30%. substitution group (T5). This indicates that goats in T5 were
However, the DLWG of this study was smaller than 70±10 g/d efficient in the utilization of nutrients.
gain of West African Dwarf goats in replacement of concentrate There was no significant (p>0.05) difference in their FCR
by 50% poultry litter [32]. This difference may arise from the among the substitution treatments except T4 and T5. There
difference of processing methods and breed of goat used. In case was an increasing trend of FCR as the level of substitution
of [32] they use silage, processing methods which may increase increased (i.e., T1< T2< T3<T4<T5) difference in their feed
the nutritive value of any feedstuffs. The result disagrees with conversion efficiency among the treatments. The feed
[31] who report that reduced weight gain in kids when the level conversion efficiency measured was higher in this
of poultry litter increased from 28%. experiment than reported by [61] for fed diets containing
different levels of poultry litter to cross goats. This work
confirmed early results obtained by [62] which indicated that
increase of levels of poultry litter increased the feed
efficiency.

3.3. Apparent Digestibility of Nutrients

Digestibility in goats fed a basal diet of wheat straw or hay

and different types of supplements is presented in Table 5.
Goats fed T1 and T2 diets had higher DM and OM
digestibility than those fed T4 and T5 diets, whereas T3 had
intermediate digestibility. No differences were observed in
Figure 5. Trend of daily weight gains of the yearling Arsi Bale Goats. DM and OM digestibility among all the treatment diets. The
highest digestibility of NDF was in T1 and T2 where that of
Where, IBW =initial body weight, W2 = Weeks 2, W6 = weeks 6, W10=
ADF is in T3 diets and the lowest was in T3 diet.
weeks 10 and W12= weeks 12, T1= treatment one … T5= treatment five.

Table 5. Digestibility (%) in goats fed basal diet of hay and different level of poultry supplements.

Variable T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 Mean SEM P-Value

DM 84.25 83.15 82.87 81.34 81.24 82.57 0.57 0.07
OM 79.53 78.53 76.3. 75.88 75.10 77.07 0.34 0.11
CP 7.23 8.15 7.46 7.13 6.91 7.37 0.09 0.09
NDF 42.76 42.15 37.19 37.96 30.48 38.11 0.91 0.12
ADF 27.46 27.82 26.45 28.49 28.42 27.73 0.15 0.06

Where; DM: Dry matter, OM: organic Matter, CP: Crude protein; NDF: Neural detergent fiber and ADF: Acid detergent fiber, T1= treatment one … T5=
treatment five.

In the current study, it was demonstrated that the diets had not significant effect on CP digestibility, which was
digestibility of DM was not significantly affected while PL disagree with [63] results, indicated that CP digestibility was
level in the diet increases. But there is slightly numerical influenced by increasing PL level in the diet. Reduced CP
decrease in DM digestibility which may be the presence of digestibility in PL containing diets was also reported by [64].
indigestible bedding material in the PL. The current result The decreased CP digestibility of PL reported by many
disagrees with Elemam et. al [52] and Obeidat et al [42] authors is due to the occurrence of Maillard reaction which
reported that DM digestibility decreases by increasing PL can reduce nutrient digestibility particularly diet CP [65].
level in the diet. In this experiment, increasing PL level in the Heat production through litter processing can initiate such
80 Asha Ahmed et al.: Substitution of Poultry Litter for Concentrate Mix as Protein Supplement on Growth Performance of
Arsi-Bale Goat

reactions, for this reason it can decrease CP digestibility in animals. However, there were differences in total costs
PL containing diets. Chaudhry and Naseer [48] reported that among the treatment groups. Total revenue to be obtained
the produced heat over 60 ˚C during poultry litter processing from finished animals depends mainly on price per kg live
causes Maillard reaction. In the current study sun drying was weight and the final weight of the animals. In the current
applied to process the poultry litter which cannot form study, total revenue was higher in treatment T5 which had
maillard reaction and reduce CP digestibility. Acid detergent higher final weight than the other groups. The results
fiber (ADF) digestibility was not significantly affected by showed that experimental goats fed with T5 had higher
dietary treatments. This is in disagreement with the previous gross margin per animal (660.09 Birr) than goats fed onT1,
study by [64], NDF and ADF digestibility were reduced in T2. T3 and T4 which had gross margins of 132.27, 253.31,
the dietary treatments in comparison with the control group. 142.77 and 533.69 Birr, respectively. Hence feeding goats
They assumed that decreased NDF and ADF digestibility with T1, T2 and T3 diets are less profitable as compare to
were related to the reduced rumen pH in PL containing diets. feeding T4 and T5 diet. This is because of the high cost of
Elemam et. al [52] also indicated that the crude fiber noug seed cake used in T1, T2 and T3. But the cost of PL
digestibility was reduced in lambs fed 300 g kg-1 PL. Non used in T4 and T5 are highly low as compare to other feed
change in ADF digestibility in current study may be related items used in the control. The PL containing diets not only
to the less content of indigestible bedding materials in the did not have any negative effects on goat weight gain, but
litter that are less content of lignin. also decreased production costs. Recently, the cost of usual
protein sources such as noug seed cake and soybean meal
3.4. Economic Return of Fattening Arsi Bale Goats has been increased in Ethiopia. According to the results of
The partial budget analysis of fattening the yearling Arsi this study, replacing NSC by PL decreases cost per kg of
Bale goats fed on five different feeds for 90 days is feed. Higher PL fed goats had the greatest ADG and the
indicated in Table 6. As it can be seen from the Table, there best FCR among all the other treatments, hence had the
were no changes in purchase price of the goats which were greatest net income. In addition, the cost per kg of live
due to the similarity in the mean initial live weight of the weight gain was the least in that study.

Table 6. Partial budget analysis of fattening the Goats.

Treatment
Items
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5
Number of goats 5 5 5 5 5
Average purchase price (ETB)/kg 123 123 123 123 123
Average live weight (kg) at purchase /h 23.64 23.02 23.33 22.49 22.99
Average purchase price (ETB)/head 2918.59 2842.10 2885.88 2776.62 2838.35
Operating cost (per head)
Feed (Concentrate) 1166.18 1080.01 984.10 905.24 801.11
Labor 20 20 20 20 20
Medicine 90 90 90 90 90
Total operating cost/head 1276.18 1190.01 1094.10 1015.24 911.11
Total cost per head 4084.75 3922.10 3869.95 3681.85 3749.45
Average live weight @ sale/head 26.07 26.86 26.43 26.97 27.76
Average selling price/kg/live weight 180 180 180 180 180
Average return (gross return)/head 4692.6 4834.8 4757.4 4854.6 4996.8
Average net return 607.85 802.74 783.05 1062.74 1247.35
∆ NI - 194.89 175.2 454.89 639.5
∆ TVC - 86.17 95.91 78.86 104.13
MRR (Ratio) - 2.26 1.83 5.77 6.14

∆ NI = Change in net income, ∆ TVC = change in variable cost, MRR = Marginal ret of return, T1= treatment one … T5= treatment five.

Even though the analysis revealed that feeding goats using around the poultry farms but are not using the poultry litter as
all feed options in the trial was profitable, there was a defined animal feed. Poultry litter is an acceptable source of protein for
trend with in increasing profit as the substitution of poultry goats, and it is typically in expensive relative to other high-
litter increase. One-way farmers might increase profitability protein feedstuffs. The chemical composition of the feeds
is by reducing feeding costs per animal. showed that poultry litter contained high CP (27.00 %), which
indicated its potential as a protein supplement to ruminants.
4. Conclusion and Recommendation This finding and other research results indicated that poultry
litter also contains substantial levels of minerals which can
In Ethiopia, there are many poultry farms that produce reduce the number of supplemental sources needed.
surplus poultry litters and in some cases the accumulation of From the present study, there were statistically highest in
this by-product has become a problem. On the other hand, daily weight gain (DWG), total weight gain (TWG) and Feed
there are a lot of small holder farmers who live near and conversion ratio (FCR) of the yearling Arsi Bale goats fed on
 American Journal of Zoology 2023; 6(4): 72-83 81

the feed which have 30 and 40% inclusion of poultry litter. S., "Effect of complete feed block on nutrient utilisation and
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