goats

The study investigated the chemical composition of graded levels of chitin and chitosan, extracted from periwinkle shells, and their effects on goats dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility. Twelve (12) West African Dwarf goats were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments (control, chitin at 3% and 6%, chitosan at 0.5% and 1%, and 0.01% oxytetracycline treatments), fed alongside guinea grass at a ratio of 50:50. Chitin and chitosan were extracted using chemical processes involving demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation. Results showed that, dry matter digestibility (91.40–91.85%) was not significantly affected by chitin and chitosan feed additives. Inclusion of chitosan at 0.5% and chitin at 6% levels improved crude protein retention, nitrogen balance, and overall nutrient digestibility, while higher chitosan levels (1%) resulted in greater urinary nitrogen losses and reduced protein utilization efficiency. Ether extract values increased with higher chitin levels, reaching 12.00% in the 6% chitin diet, implying improved energy density. Nitrogen-free extract decreased significantly with higher chitin inclusion, indicating reduced readily available carbohydrate fractions. Organic matter content was highest (91.50%) in the 0.5% chitosan diet, suggesting improved nutrient digestibility and energy utilization. The study concludes that chitin and chitosan at 6% and 0.5% inclusion level respectively from periwinkle shells can serve as effective feed additives for enhancing nutrient utilization in goats . This approach offers a sustainable solution for livestock nutrition while addressing environmental challenges posed by periwinkle waste in Nigeria.

This study evaluated the effects of snail-derived chitin and chitosan on the haematological, biochemical, and antioxidant responses of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Eighteen weaner goats were assigned to six dietary treatments, including varying levels of snail chitin (3% and 6%), snail chitosan (0.5% and 1%), a control diet, and an oxytetracycline-supplemented diet. The diets consisted of 50% Guinea grass and 50% concentrate. Proximate composition of the diets showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in dry matter and crude protein, indicating that chitin and chitosan did not compromise nutrient adequacy.However, ash,ether extract, nitrogen- free extract, and ADF varied significantly (p < 0.05), reflecting the fibrous nature of the additives.Haematological and serum biochemical indices remained within normal physiological ranges across treatments, showing no adverse effects on erythropoiesis, immunity, liver function, or kidney function. Notably, goats fed 6% chitin and 0.5% chitosan exhibited slightly elevated total protein and globulin levels (p < 0.05), suggesting improved protein utilisation. Antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH) were enhanced in supplemented groups, while MDA remained stable, demonstrating reduced oxidative stress. Overall, the findings indicate that snail chitin (up to 6%) and chitosan (up to 1%) can be safely incorporated into goat diets as functional feed additives. Their inclusion supports healthy physiological functions, enhances antioxidant status, and offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to synthetic additives and antibiotics. Further studies are recommended to assess long-term effects, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and reproductive responses for wider commercial adoption.