EFFECT OF DIETARY COPPER SUPPLEMENTATION ON SERUM COPPER LEVEL AND PERFORMANCE OF FEMALE WEST AFRICAN DWARF (fouta Djallon) GOATS

The effects of dietary copper supplementation on serum copper level and performance were studied in a 174-day feeding experiment involving 16 female West African dwarf goats level and using depletion - repletion approach, The results obtained showed a significantly lower (P<0.05) but traces of serum copper after depletion combined with pre depletion (1.70 to 1.90 Ug/dl serum) and after 42 days of dietary repletion (1.28 to 2.50 Ug/dl serum). The best responses in terms of growth rate (0.114 kg/day) highest dry matter intake (1.43 Ugg feed DM) were induced by 240.68 Ug Cug DM of feed. The goats managed maintenance requirement for copper was 5.033 UgCuw0.75. while the dietary copper supplementation requirement was 240.68 Ug They had free access to salt licks and water. Cu/g DM of feed for optimum weight gain, growth rate and dry matter intake.