Growth Performance Of Offspring Research Articles

Effect of protein source on performance of lactating Damascus goats

In three experiments, two with non-suckling and one with suckling Damascus goats the effects of fish meal (FM) vs. soybean meal (SBM) on milk yield, milk composition, and growth performance of offspring were studied. There were no differences between diets in feed intake. Milk yield and goat milk composition on the two diets were similar in experiments 1 and 3. Goats in experiment 2 while in negative energy balance on the FM diet produced significantly ( P < 0.05) less milk but of higher fat content ( P < 0.05). Other milk constituents were similar for the two diets. Effective crude protein degradability was greater ( P < 0.01) in the FM compared to the SBM diet. Differences in DM degradability between diets were not significant.