Effects of different nitrogen sources on productive parameters in Angora goats

Abstract

Effects of various protein sources on yield and quality of mohair production were studied in Angora does. Soybean meal (SBM), sunflower meal (SFM), cotton seed meal (CSM), and poultry manure (PM) were included in experimental diets as test proteins. Angora does (n = 120) were allocated to four treatments for 1 yr receiving a basal diet of grass hay, bran, barley, minerals and vitamin mix plus SBM, SFM, CSM or PM. Fifty Angora does in the second experiment received graded levels of SFM and PM with 0, 3 and 6% CP to the basal diet. Mohair yield and quality were determined after 6 and 11 months. There were no significant differences in mohair yield and quality among protein sources, indicating that PM can be used as a cheap nitrogen alternative in Angora goat feeding. Inclusion of graded levels of SFM and PM tended to increase mohair quality in terms of increased staple length, breaking strength and decrease in medullated fiber. As a conclusion, adjustment in supplemental feed formulation can be made to economize on supplemental protein sources without affecting the production of mohair from Angora does.