Nutrient Digestibility In Goats Research Articles

Nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of and as supplements to Afzelia africana Newbouldia laevis Panicum maximum

The study was conducted to determine nutrient intake and digestibility of West African dwarf goats fed graded levels of Afzelia africana and New bouldia laevisas supplements to Panicum maximum. Twenty female West African dwarf goats aged between 5 and 7 months old with mean live weight of 6.62±0.41kg were allotted to five dietary treatments with two replicates of two goats per treatment in a completely randomised design. The compared diets were: T (100% Panicum maximum), T (25%Afzelia africana and 75% Panicum maximum), T (50% Afzelia africana and 50% Panicum maximum), T (25% New bouldia laevis and 75% Panicum maximum) and T (50% Newbouldia laevis and 50% Panicum maximum). A metabolism trial was conducted at the end of the feeding trial to assess the diets on nutrient digestibility after the nutrient intake study of the goats. Results obtained showed that total hemicelluloses intake (62.48g.day ) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T compared with other diets. Total crude protein intake(43.45g.d) and hemicelluloses digestibility(92.20%)were higher significantly (p<0.001) and (p<0.01) respectively in T . Total lignin intake (36.22g.d )and organic matter digestibility (77.70%) were significantly better (p<0.05) and (p<0.01) respectively in T . Digestibility of neutral and acid detergent fibre (55.71% and 49.79%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) and (p<0.001) while dry matter digestibility (83.49%) was significantly better (p<0.01) in T than other treatment diets. Total dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and cellulose intakes with digestibility of crude protein, lignin and cellulose were not significantly (p>0.05) affected by treatment diets. It was concluded that the combination of Panicum maximum based diet with Newbouldia laevis in a ratio of 50:50 had the potential to enhance nutrient digestibility in goats.

Effect of Supplementation of Nano Zinc on Rumen Fermentation and Fiber Degradability in Goats

A study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of nano-zinc as a feed supplement on rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility in goats (Capra hircus). Nano-sized zinc was synthesized by using 0.45M aqueous solution of zinc nitrate and 0.9M aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide as a salt of ZnO in nano form (NZnO). The particle size thus obtained was 74 nm and later it was confirmed to be zinc by using TEM-EDAX. Twenty-four male goats were divided in four groups on the basis of BW and were supplemented with either a basal diet with concentrate and straw at 50: 50 ratio (Control) alone or supplemented with 50 ppm zinc from inorganic ZnO (IZn-50), 50 ppm zinc from NZnO (NZn-50) or 25 ppm zinc from NZnO (NZn-25). The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, total carbohydrates, and nutritive value of the diets in terms of DCP, TDN (%) and ME (Mcal/kg) did not vary (P>0.05) among treatment groups. The ADF and cellulose digestibility was significantly higher (P<0.05) in all three zinc supplemented groups than control. Supplementation of graded doses of NZn did not alter the individual and total ruminal VFA profile in goats, but the soluble zinc content in the rumen liquor was higher in NZn-50 than NZn-25 and control. The rumen pH and protozoa count was higher in NZn-50 than control, IZn-50, and NZn-25. Nano Zn at 50 mg/kg DM altered the rumen pH, total protozoa count, fibre degradation and soluble zinc content in goats without affecting the individual and total VFA profile. It is concluded that nano Zn can be supplemented at half the dose of inorganic Zn without affecting rumen VFA profile, rumen soluble Zn content in goats.

Effects of dietary supplementation of leaves and whole plant of Andrographis paniculata on rumen fermentation, fatty acid composition and microbiota in goats

BackgroundThe nature and amount of dietary medicinal plants are known to influence rumen fermentation and nutrient digestibility in ruminants. Nonetheless, changes in nutrient digestibility and rumen metabolism in response to dietary Andrographis paniculata (AP) in goats are unknown. This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation of leaves and whole plant of AP on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, fatty acids and rumen microbial population in goats. Twenty-four Boer crossbred bucks (4 months old; average body weight of 20.18 ± 0.19 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary groups of eight goats each. The dietary treatments included a control diet (Basal diet without additive), basal diet +1.5% (w/w) Andrographis paniculata leaf powder (APL) and basal diet +1.5% (w/w) Andrographis paniculata whole plant powder (APW). The trial lasted 100 d following 14 d of adjustment.ResultsThe rumen pH and concentration of propionate were greater (P < 0.05) in goats fed the APL and APW diets than those fed the control diet. The concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and acetate were greater (P < 0.05) in the control goats than the APL and APW goats. The digestibilities of crude protein, dry matter, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre were greater (P < 0.05) in the APL and APW goats compared to the control goats. Dietary APL and APW decreased (P < 0.05) the ruminal concentration of C18:0 and increased (P < 0.05) the ruminal concentration of C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3. The APL goats had greater (P < 0.05) ruminal concentration of C18:1 trans-11 and CLA cis-9 trans-11 than the APW and control goats. Dietary treatments had no significant effect on the population of protozoa and methanogens in the rumen of goats. The ruminal populations of Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes were greater (P < 0.05) in the APL and APW goats than the control goats.ConclusionDietary supplementation of leaves and whole plant of Andrographis paniculata can be used to manipulate rumen metabolism for improved nutrient digestibility in goats.

Effects of Different Levels of Oxalic Acid Administration on Feed Intake and Nutrient Digestibility in Goats

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of oxalic acid administration on feed intake and nutrient digestibility in goats. Four female cross bred (Boer × local) goats (average body weight of 46.3 kg) were randomly assigned to four experimental diets including oxalic acid administration at levels of 0, 2.25, 4.50 and 6.75 g/animal/d in a 4×4 Latin Square design. Oxalic acid diluted with water was administered orally via syringe to experimental goats once daily for four experimental periods. Each experimental period was lasted 21 d in length, comprising 14 d of adaptation to the experimental diet followed by 7 d of data collection. All the animals were individually fed with Napier grass ad libitum supplemented with 300 g (fresh basis) pelleted compound feed per goat per day throughout the study. Feed composition, feed intake, nutrient intake and nutrient digestibility were determined. Intakes of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and metabolisable energy tended to linearly decrease with the increasing rate of oxalic acid administration, with the value in the 6.75 g oxalic acid/animal/d treatment being significantly (p<0.05) lower than the control (0 g oxalic acid/animal/d) treatment. The oxalic acid administration had no effect on apparent digestibilities of DM, OM, CP and NDF. The experiment demonstrated that oxalic acid administration may influence in the DM and nutrient intakes, but not influence on DM and nutrient digestibilities in goats.

Nutrient Digestibility in Goats Fed With Corn Fodder Supplemented With Palm Kernel Meal

Sixteen (16) goats were randomly distributed to the four dietary treatments to determine their nutrient digestibility which constituted four treatment combinations-commercial cultivar of white corn variety, F1 Taiwanese corn fresh fodder, F1 Taiwanese corn fresh fodder + 0% palm kernel meal in mixed concentrate, and F1 Taiwanese corn fresh fodder + 30% palm kernel meal in mixed concentrate. These were randomized in a complete block design using SPSS Version 11.5 or Windows. Tukey test (Honestly Significant Difference) was used to test the significant differences among treatment means. Results revealed highly significant differences in terms of dry matter intake, organic matter intake, organic matter digestibility, and apparent digestible energy. Observed results were attributed to better nutrient digestibility due to its rumen fermentation and micro-organism activity. Based on the results of the study, use of corn fodder (65-75 days after planting) and inclusion of 30% palm kernel meal in the diet are recommended since it improved nutrient digestibility, increased feed intake, and energy values compared to use of corn fodder alone. However, it is recommended that optimum level of palm kernel meal usage be further studied to measure the level of efficiency and nutrient digestibility in goats.

Effects of steam-treated rice straw feeding on growth, digestibility, and plasma volatile fatty acids of goats under different housing systems.

In order to use rice straw as forage in livestock feeding, the effects of steam-treated rice straw (at 15.5 kgf/cm(2) for 120 s) feeding on growth performance, plasma volatile fatty acid profile, and nutrient digestibility of goats were determined. Twenty male goats (18.69 ± 0.34 kg) were used in an 84-day trial. The goats were divided into four groups of five goats each to receive steam-treated (STRS) or untreated (UTRS) rice straw diet under closed house (CH) and open house (OH) systems. The results revealed that the goats fed with STRS had significantly higher dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility; similarly, the average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were higher for STRS groups under both CH and OH systems than those for UTRS. The plasma protein and insulin in STRS and cholesterol in UTRS groups was higher (P < 0.05) at 60 days but found not different (P > 0.05) at 30 days. The plasma amylase, lipase, T3, T4 and glucagon at 30 and 60 days were not different (P > 0.05) among the groups. The plasma acetate, propionate, butyrate, and total volatile fatty acid were higher (P < 0.05) in STRS groups at 30 and 60 days. The housing conditions had no effects (P > 0.05) on these parameters. It could be concluded that steam treatment of rice straw at 15.5 kgf/cm(2) for 120 s increased apparent nutrient digestibility, hence increased the growth and feed efficiency of growing goats.

Rumen Fermentation and Nutrient Digestibility in Goats Fed a Tallow-Rich Ration Fortified with Yeast

Rumen Fermentation and Nutrient Digestibility in Goats Fed a Tallow-Rich Ration Fortified with Yeast

Effects of protein supplementation and parasympathetic stimulation with slaframine on utilization of low quality roughage fed to goats and sheep

Eighteen Angora goats (average BW 14 kg) and 18 Barbados Blackbelly X Dorset sheep (average BW 24 kg), all wethers, were fed chopped coastal bermudagrass hay (84% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 6% crude protein (CP)) ad libitum and offered only alfalfa hay or cottonseed meal as protein supplement during an 84-day feeding trial. From day 28, animals received daily injections of physiological saline with or without the parasympathomimetric slaframine (SF) at 30 μg kg −1 BW. Digestibility and digesta kinetics measurements were made during a 7-day fecal collection period. Goats had lower ( P< 0.05) intakes of DM, NDF and CP than sheep. There were no differences in digestibility of DM, NDF or CO between species. Protein supplementation increased digestibility of DM ( P< 0.05), NDF ( P< 0.10), and CP ( P< 0.01) without affecting intake. No differences were due to type of supplement in intake and digestibility. SF depressed ( P< 0.05) intake of DM, NDF and CP and tended ( P<0.10) to lower DM and CP digestibility. Protein supplementation increased ( P<0.05) and SF decreased ( P< 0.01) weight gain. Animals receiving protein supplement lost less body weight (BW) after SF treatment than those receiving no supplement. Goats and sheep apparently utilized low quality roughages differently but responded similarly to protein supplementation. SF was not effective in altering ruminal liquid dilution rate or enhancing nutrient digestibility in goats and sheep fed high fiber diets.