NITROGEN BALANCE AND RETENTION OF GOATS FED DIETS CONTAINING CHITIN AND CHITOSAN FROM PERIWINKLE SHELLS
Faculty
Department
Year of Publication
Publication Type
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the nitrogen balance and retention in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats fed diets containing varying levels of chitin and chitosan extracted from periwinkle shells, an unconventional feed resource. A total of 12 weaner
female WAD goats were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments: control (no additive), 3% chitin, 6% chitin, 0.5% chitosan, 1% chitosan and antibiotic ( 0.01% oxytetracycline). The trial lasted 15 days, with an 8-day digestibility and nitrogen balance trial using metabolic cages. Parameters assessed included feed intake, nitrogen intake, faecal and urinary nitrogen excretion, nitrogen balance, nitrogen digestibility, and nitrogen retention. Chemical analyses of the experimental diets were also conducted
with ash ranging from 9% - 20%, crude fiber (17.50% - 24.50%), crude protein (15.75% - 22.75%), dry matter (91.10% - 91.85%), Nitrogen free extract ( 12.50%. - 42.31%), organic matter ( 80% - 91%) and ether extract (8.50% - 10%) . Results showed that chitin and chitosan-based diets, particularly at 6% Chitin and 0.5% chitosan inclusion, significantly improved nitrogen balance and retention compared to 1% chitosan and 0.01% oxytetracycline diets. Urinary nitrogen loss was significantly lower in chitin-fed goats, indicating better nitrogen utilization. There were no adverse effects on dr chitin and chitosan from periwinkle shells are viable, eco-friendly feed additives that can enhance nitrogen efficiency in goats. Chitosan, in particular, may serve as a natural alternative to antibiotics in small ruminant nutrition. The study recommends broader application and further research into their economic and microbial effects.
female WAD goats were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments: control (no additive), 3% chitin, 6% chitin, 0.5% chitosan, 1% chitosan and antibiotic ( 0.01% oxytetracycline). The trial lasted 15 days, with an 8-day digestibility and nitrogen balance trial using metabolic cages. Parameters assessed included feed intake, nitrogen intake, faecal and urinary nitrogen excretion, nitrogen balance, nitrogen digestibility, and nitrogen retention. Chemical analyses of the experimental diets were also conducted
with ash ranging from 9% - 20%, crude fiber (17.50% - 24.50%), crude protein (15.75% - 22.75%), dry matter (91.10% - 91.85%), Nitrogen free extract ( 12.50%. - 42.31%), organic matter ( 80% - 91%) and ether extract (8.50% - 10%) . Results showed that chitin and chitosan-based diets, particularly at 6% Chitin and 0.5% chitosan inclusion, significantly improved nitrogen balance and retention compared to 1% chitosan and 0.01% oxytetracycline diets. Urinary nitrogen loss was significantly lower in chitin-fed goats, indicating better nitrogen utilization. There were no adverse effects on dr chitin and chitosan from periwinkle shells are viable, eco-friendly feed additives that can enhance nitrogen efficiency in goats. Chitosan, in particular, may serve as a natural alternative to antibiotics in small ruminant nutrition. The study recommends broader application and further research into their economic and microbial effects.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor