Calcium Requirement of the Young West African dwarf (Fouta Djallon) Goat for Maintenance and Growth

Abstract

Calcium was fed to young male West Africa dwarf goats, 7 months old and weighing 9-10 kg. The experiment lasted 9 weeks. The values for dry matter intake and Ca digestibility were 4.3 +or- 0.08% of body weight and 43.1 +or- 7.24% respectively. Results indicated that young goats gaining 100 g per day would require 380 mg per day per kg LW (78.3 mg per day per 0.734kg metabolic body weight) for growth and maintenance. The corresponding value of 127 mg per day per kg LW (35.0 mg per day per 0.734kg metabolic body weight) was however, needed for maintenance. Results obtained for Ca utilization by goats on normal and Ca deficient treatments showed that skeletal development could be adversely affected at low levels of Ca intake. Ca-balanoe indicated that the specific gravity, bone ash, Ca in dry fat free bone could not be favourably increased by feeding dietary levels of Ca beyond 0.7%.