Evaluation of TRICAL-336 Triticale, Maton Rye and Kentucky-31 Fescue as Winter Pasture for Meat Goats

Abstract

ABSTRACT Because of their cold tolerance and double-cropping potential, small grains such as triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) and rye (Secale cereale) can play an important role in sustainable agriculture in Tennessee. A grazing trial was conducted to evaluate TRICAL-336 (triticale), Maton (rye) and Kentucky-31 fescue (control) for meat goats. Maton and TRICAL-336 were 78 and 74% higher in crude protein, 33 and 44% lower in acid-detergent fiber, and 49 and 51% lower in neutral-detergent fiber, respectively, than Kentucky-31. Net energy, total digestible nutrient, relative feed value, Ca, Mg, K and P contents were also significantly higher (P < 0.01) for Maton and TRICAL-336. Average daily gain and live weight gain per ha of does grazing Maton (74.0 g d−1 and 12.38 kg ha−1) and TRICAL-336 (78.9 g d−1 and 11.77 kg ha−1, respectively) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of Kentucky-31 does which lost weight (−19.4 g d−1 and −2.6 kg ha−1, respectively) during the same period. Boneless major retail cut yield was 23 and 37% higher in favor of Maton and TRICAL-336, respectively, while boneless shoulder, boneless leg, loin and rack weight were 30, 35, 69 and 37% higher for TRICAL-336 and 17, 19, 22 and 61% higher, respectively, for Maton than for Kentucky-31. Hot carcass weights and chilled carcass weights were higher for Maton by 28 and 20% and for TRICAL-336 by 32 and 30%, respectively, than Kentucky-31. Slaughter weight, height to the cross, carcass length, kidney, pelvic and heart fat, thoracic circumference, blood concentration of creatine kinase, glucose, albumin, globulin, blood urea nitrogen, Ca, Na, K, monocyte, red blood cell, hematocrit and hemoglobin were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for TRICAL-336 and Maton.