THE POTENCY OF MANURE AND REFUSED FEED OF DAIRY GOAT TO PRODUCE ORGANIC FERTILIZER

Abstract

The study was conducted to measure the quantity and chemical composition of manure and refused feed from smallholder dairy goat and the quality of final product of compost. Data were collected from thirty dairy goats (Etawah Cross-Bred), which were fed adlibitum forages. To measure the quantity of refused feed, manure production and taken samples were conducted every day for five consecutive days. Samples were analyzed to determine the dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) content. The raw material of goat manure-based compost consisted of goat manure, refused forages, lime and ash. Compost was processed by aeration method. The final product of this compost was compared with cattle manure - based compost. The results showed that forage offered was 2.26 kg DM/d, equivalent with 106.3 g/kg. Refused forage was 0.55 kg DM/d, mainly consisted of Calliandra and Albasia twigs (49.3% of total refused feed DM). Manure production was 269.6 g DM/d. Average DM, OM and CP content of goat manure were 33.0, 87.0 and 21.4% while for refused forages were 94.7, 91.3 and 11.8%. Texture of goat manure - based compost was fine, colored dark brown with pH of 7-9. The content phosphor (0.15%) and potassium (0.64%) were lower than those of cattle manure — based compost, however nitrogen content (1.07%) was greater. Organic matter content and C/N ratio were 25.29% and 14.72%, respectively. The value were in accordance with the minimum recommended concentration for fertilizer, therefore goat manure and refused forages have potency to provide nutrient to produce good quality compost.