Effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber content on dry matter intake, digestibility, and chewing activity in Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae) fed with total mixed ration.

Se Young Jang,Eun Kyung Kim,Hye Jin Seong,Jae Hyun Park,Yu Ling Ding,Mi Rae Oh,Yeong Sik Yun,Yu Jiao Tang,Sang Ho Moon,Won Ho Kim

doi:10.5713/ajas.16.0868

Abstract

ObjectiveThis experiment was to determine proper physical traits in the diet for goats by investigating the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content on dry matter intake (DMI), digestibility, and chewing activity in black goats fed with total mixed ration (TMR).MethodsSix growing wethers of Korean native black goats (Capra hircus coreanae) aged 8 months and weighing between 26.9 kg and 27.1 kg (27.03±5.05 kg) were used in this experiment. Three diets of varying peNDF content were obtained by original TMR (T1), 12,000 rpm grinding (T2), and 15,500 rpm grinding (T3) of the same TMR diet. The peNDF1.18 content of the experimental diets was 23.85%, 21.71%, and 16.22% for T1, T2, and T3, respectively.ResultsAverage daily gain (ADG) was higher in T2 group compared to those of the control and T3 groups, but ADG and DMI were not affected by the dietary particle size and peNDF content. Also, there was no difference between apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude fiber, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Although there was no significant difference, rumination and total chewing time were associated with decreased peNDF content.ConclusionThe feeding of peNDF-based TMR showed no impact on apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. Further studies are required with a wider range of dietary peNDF level and particle size to better identify the effect of dietary peNDF and particle size on chewing activity and performance in goats.

Highlights

A demand for goat meat has increased in both developing and developed countries, resulting in a rising number of livestock producers raising goats
Korean native goat (KNG, Capra hircus coreanae) is the main breed for goat meat production in Korea and most of them are predominantly black [2]. This species is low in productivity as well as in average daily gain (ADG) with about 50 to 70 g/d [3] compared to other breeds such a boar for meat production [4]
The feeding of physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF)-based total mixed ration (TMR) shows no impact on daily gain and chewing activity of black goats

Summary

Introduction

A demand for goat meat has increased in both developing and developed countries, resulting in a rising number of livestock producers raising goats. Korean native goat (KNG, Capra hircus coreanae) is the main breed for goat meat production in Korea and most of them are predominantly black [2]. This species is low in productivity as well as in average daily gain (ADG) with about 50 to 70 g/d [3] compared to other breeds such a boar (about ADG of 124 g) for meat production [4]. This is mainly due to a lack of breed improvement and improper feeding management. It is necessary to improve the productivity of KNG for the sustainability of the goat industry

Results

Discussion

Conclusion