364 Blood Profile of Kiko Does Raised on Grass-legume-mixed Pastures vs. Sole-grass Pastures During Fall

Abstract

Abstract Goats raised in pastures dominated with perennial grasses in the southeast United States commonly show poor health and performance. Addition of legumes to grass pastures may improve nutrient content and enhance animal performance. However, how legume addition to pastures would impact blood profile in goats has not been documented well. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of legume-grass mixed pastures on the blood profile of Kiko does. The study was conducted in fall 2020 using 10 fenced plots (average plot size: 0.44 ha). Five plots were sown to southern peas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)-browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L. Nguyen) 50:50 mix) and remaining five plots to sole browntop millet. Nineteen Kiko does (initial age 15–16 months and live weight - 34 ± 1.4 kg) were divided into two uniform groups: Group 1 and Group 2. Does in Group 1 were allocated to legume-grass plots and Group 2 to sole grass plots; they were rotationally stocked in their respective plots for 87 days. Blood samples were collected on Day 1 before allowing them to their respective plots, Day 47, and Day 87. Samples were analyzed for different cellular and metabolic parameters. GLM procedure in SAS 9.4. was used to analyze the data. Group-1 does had higher level of basophil, glucose, and blood urea nitrogen, but lower level of globulin concentration was significantly higher in compared to Group 2 (P < 0.05). Interaction effect of group and sampling date occurred for 21 variables (P < 0.05). Results indicated that addition of legume forage in pastures can alter blood profile of grazing goats. Further investigation on the impact of mixing legumes with grass pastures on animal performance, economics, and soil health will be helpful to understand the holistic effect of legumes on animal agriculture.