Abstract
The study was carried out at Arbaminch Agricultural research center, Gamo Gofa zone, Ethiopia, using twenty five intact male yearling Woyto-Guji goats. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of dried moringa leaf substitution to concentrate mixture on feed intake, digestibility and body weight gain of Woyto-Guji goats and to assess the economic benefit of dried Moringa leaf substitution. The experimental design was randomized complete block design. Goats were blocked into five block based on their initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to one of the five treatments. The experiment consisted of 90 days of feeding trial and 7 days of digestibility trial. The five dietary treatments used were100% concentrate mixture (CM) consisting of wheat bran (57%), noug (Guizota abyssinica) seed cake (23%), maize (19%) and salt (1%) [T1]; 75% CM+25% dried moringa stenopetala leaf (DMSL) [T2]; 50% CM+50% DMSL [T3]; 25% CM+75% DMSL [T4] and 100% DMSL [T5]. The natural pasture hay of this study was medium quality grass and the CP content was better demanded for maintenance requirement of goats. Total dry matter intake (TDMI) expressed as% BW and metabolic BW (kg/w0.75) were different (p<0.05) among treatments with an overall mean of 3.46% of BW and 64.59 g DM/kg w0.75 per day. The TDMI was in the range of 3.3 to 3.7% BW. The CP intake has increased in ascending order with increased level of DMSL supplementation. The trend in TDMI (g/day) of goats across the feeding period showed progressive increment. The increase in BW throughout the feeding period is an attribute of increase in feed and digestible nutrient intakes. Based on the partial budget analysis as well from biological point of view, supplementation of 75% and 100% dried moringastenopetala leaf could be recommended as profitable for goat producer. Therefore, goat producers can use moringa to attain higher body weight gain within a short period of time.
Highlights
More than 80% of the Ethiopian population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods (10)
Twenty five intact male yearling Woyto-Guji goats with an average initial body weight (BW) of 19.48±2.58 Kg were purchased from cooperatives involved in community based goat breeding program with Arbaminch agricultural research center
Goats were vaccinated against Contagious Caprine Pleura Pneumonia (CCPP) and Pasteurelosis
Summary
More than 80% of the Ethiopian population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods (10). Ethiopia is believed to have the largest livestock and goat population in Africa [8], stands third in Africa and sixth in the world, accounting 9% and 3% of African and global goat populations, respectively [37]. The productivity of Ethiopiangoat is low mainly because of inadequate year round nutrition (both in terms of quantity and quality), unimproved genetic potential and prevalence of diseases and parasites [39]. The digestibility and intake of these feeds are low which causes slow growth rate, loss of body condition, increased susceptibility to disease and parasites and decreased reproductive performance in ruminant livestock [23].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
