Effect of floor types and seasons on feed and nutrient intakes of surti goats under stall-feeding system

Abstract

A study was conducted to compare the effect of floor types on feed and nutrient intakes of Surti goats under stall-feeding system in cold, hot dry and hot humid seasons from December 2017 to October 2018. Adult dry Surti goats (27) were divided randomly in three treatment groups (T1earthen floor, T2-brick floor and T3-cement concrete floor). Total mixed ration (TMR) was offered daily in morning and afternoon in group feeding. The dry matter and nutrient intakes (g/d, body wt. % and g/kgW0.75) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats reared on earthen floor (T1) followedby cement concrete (T3) and brick (T2) floors. Similarly dry matter and nutrient intakes were significantly (P<0.05) higher in cold as compared to hot dry and hot humid seasons. Water intake (l/d, body wt. %, l/kgW0.75 and l/kg dry matter intake) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats reared on earthen floor as compared to goats on brick and cement concrete floors. The water intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in hot dry season as compared to hot humid and cold seasons. The results indicated that the earthen floor was better in terms of feed and nutrient intakes of goats followed by cement concrete and brick floors under stall-feeding.