The impact of replacing corn with elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) on growth performance, serum parameters, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in geese

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of partially replacing corn with elephant grass dry matter (air drass) on growth performance, serum parameters, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in geese. A total of 360 one-day-old Hortobágyi geese were randomly divided into three groups: control (basic diet), 12 % elephant grass, and 24 % elephant grass. The geese were raised for 70 days. The results showed that compared to the control, 12 % elephant grass had no adverse effects on final body weight, feed/gain ratio, mortality, serum liver and kidney function markers. However, 24 % elephant grass significantly reduced the final body weight (P < 0.001) and feed/gain ratio (P = 0.026) compared to the control group. Both experiment groups had decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P < 0.001), and total cholesterol (P < 0.001). The addition of 12 % and 24 % elephant grass reduced abdominal fat (P = 0.002), but it had no significant effect on slaughter rate, half-bore rate, full-bore rate, breast muscle rate and leg muscle rate. For nutrient digestibility, 12 % elephant grass improved neutral detergent fiber digestibility compared to the control group (P = 0.026). The 24 % grass group had reduced Ca absorption (P = 0.020). Overall, the findings suggest that partially replacing corn with 12 % elephant grass in goose diet can maintain growth performance and carcass traits.It also has no negative effect on nutrient digestibility while improving serum parameters.