TITLE:
Mineral Composition and Effect of Biochar on Preweaning Reproductive and Growth Performance in Cavy (Cavia porcellus)
AUTHORS:
Christèle Kenne Nouboussi, Fernand Tendonkeng, Nathalie Mweugang Ngouopo, Emile Miégoué, Dieu-Nedort Djoufack, Thierry Douglas Ndongo, Hamadou Ousmane, J. Gwladys Nkana Kontchiachou, Cédric Brailly Kwayep Nyah, Mama Mouchili, Pamo T. Etienne
KEYWORDS:
Feed Additives, Biochar, Cavy, Ingestion, Reproduction, Pre-Weaning Growth
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Animal Sciences,
Vol.12 No.1,
January
27,
2022
ABSTRACT: In order to contribute to the improvement of the
knowledge on the valorization of biochar as a feed additive in
livestock, three biochar made from cassava peelings, bean tops and cocoa pods
were manufactured. After analyzing their mineral composition, they were
incorporated into rations at a rate of 0.8% in order to evaluate their effects
on the performance of reproduction and pre-weaning growth in cavy (Cavia porcellus). The
trials were conducted in the Research Unit of Animal Production and Nutrition
(URPRONAN) of the University of Dschang, on 96 adult local breed cavy (from the
first generation), including 80 females and 16 males aged 4 months and with an
average weight of 400 ± 0.25 g. After 2 weeks of adaptation in the rearing
boxes at the farm, the females were put in reproduction for a period of 31
days, the animals were divided into 04 batches of 20 females and 4 males. The
animals in the control lot were fed a compound feed without biochar (T) while
the others were fed the compound feed
containing 0.8% of cassava peel biochar (EM), 0.8% of bean tops biochar
(FH) and 0.8% of cocoa pod husks biochar (CC) respectively. The results of this
study showed that the ash content (26%) and macro-element concentration were
higher in the bean husk charcoal compared to the other charcoals and the trace
elements were more concentrated in the cassava peel charcoal. The best
fertility rate (87.5%) was obtained in animals
receiving the ration containing organic cocoa pod charcoal. The highest
abortion rate (63.16%) was obtained in the batch of animals receiving the ration containing organic bean husk charcoal.
Pre-weaning mortality rates were comparable between the different
rations. Piglet weights at birth were comparable between the different rations.
At weaning, the highest average weight of the kids was recorded with the ration
containing the organic bean charcoal (197.25 ± 46.9 g). The highest ADG (4.82 ±
0.74 g/d) and TG (101.25 g) were recorded in the batch of animals receiving the
FH ration. Thus, the incorporation of 0.8% of the powder of organic coals seems
to have adverse effects on reproductive performance. On the other hand, these
coals significantly improve the pre-weaning growth performance in cavy.