Abstract
Ninety lactating goats (Bachthao, Barbary, Beetal and Jamnapary breeds) were used in an experiment to investigate the replacement value of the tree fodders Flemingia (Flemingia macrophylla) and Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). The foliages were used to replace the concentrate in diets based on chopped whole sugar cane (Sacharatum sp.), Para grass (Brachiaria mutica) and dried cassava root (Manihot esculanta). The concentrate was replaced by foliage of Jackfruit or Flemingia at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% based on the crude protein (CP) content in the concentrate and foliages, respectively. Average milk yield was 1,617 g/day for goats fed Jackfruit compared to 1,532 g/day for those fed Flemingia. Increasing amounts of Flemingia foliage resulted in reduced dry matter intake and decreased milk yield but milk composition (CP, casein and fat content) was similar up to 60% replacement. Flerningia showed a poor potential as a supplement for lactating goats and replacement levels should not exceed 20% of the protein in the concentrate or 7.5% of the dry matter in the diet. With respect to the combination of milk production and net return over the control a CP replacement rate of 20% was the most promising. For Jackfruit there was similar feed intake and milk yield at a replacement level of 20% of CP in the concentrate (9.2% of DM intake) compared to the control diet. Milk yield at the level of 40% replacement (15% of the DM) in the diet was slightly reduced. Up to a level of CP replacement rate of 60% (21% DM in the diet) can be suggested for on-farm testing as a higher net return over the control was obtained on station.
Highlights
Commercial concentrates are generally used as supplements to dairy goats
Increasing amounts of Flemingia foliage resulted in reduced dry matter intake and decreased milk yield but milk composition (CP, casein and fat content) was similar up to 60% replacement
Results from the present study suggest that Jackfruit may replace the concentrate in a diet up to 40% on a protein basis or around 15% of dry matter (DM) in the diet without reducing the fat corrected milk (FCM)
Summary
Commercial concentrates are generally used as supplements to dairy goats. Due to their high cost and uncertain availability, farmers, especially in developing countries are searching for other feeds. Leaves from trees and shrubs are increasingly being recognised as important components in animal feeding, as suppliers of protein. They may be utilised to increase the intake and digestibility of low quality forage such as crop residues and mature grasses to improve the performance of livestock (Bates et al, 1988; McMeniman et al, 1988)
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