Roughages alternatives for growing goats

Abstract

In this trial, four feeding strategies to growing goats were compared and adult goat females performance were evaluated. Four feeding strategies were studied,, three roughage sources (White cassava hay, Leucena hay and Gliricidia hay), in a total mixed ration (70% concentrate and 30% roughage, in dry matter basis), and control-caatinga treatment, in which mothers were accompanied during all the day. The others animals were milked during night. 44 animals, 24 males and 20 females were used and distributed in four groups of 11 animals, three groups in collective pens, while the fourth was kept with the adult goats. The experimental design was completely randomized, with 11 replications. Rations with White cassava or Leucena hay increased growing kids daily weight gain and total weight gain (P<0.05). In adult females, the different feeding strategies did not influence (P>0.05) the performance and body condition score. Hence, White cassava and Leucena hay are important roughage sources to be included in high concentrate proportion ration given to growing kids.