Body weight gain, nutrients degradability and fermentation rumen characteristics of boerka goat supplemented green concentrate pellets (GCP) based on indigofera zollingeriana

Abstract

Background and Objective: Indigofera zollingeriana leguminous have been known widely to have a concentrate feed characteristic due to its high nutrient contents (crude protein, vitamin and some mineral) and its highly dry matter (DM) digestibility. This study aimed to identify the effects body weight gain, nutrients degradability, fermentation rumen characteristics and blood metabolite of Boerka goat supplemented green concentrate pellets (GCP)based on Indigofera zoliingeriana. Materials and Methods: Twenty four male Boer x Kacang crossbreeds with age of approximately male phase to 6 months and average initial body weight (BW) 13±0.5 kg were used in feeding and degestion trials. The study was assigned according to randomized block design with four dietary treatments and six goats were allocated to one of four treatments in randomised block design. The animals feed was offered chopped fresh Brachiariahumidicola (ad libitum) and feed treatments were offered daily at 4.0% body weight (BW). Results: The digestibility increased in line with the increasing proportion of I. zollingeriana in the green concentrate pellets (GCP). The tannin content of GCP seemed to not significantly impacted on feed intake. The daily body weight gain and efficiency of feed utilization increased as the proportion of I. zollingeriana GCP increased. Increasing of the proportion C. calotyhrsus in GCP affected the concentration of ammonia (NH3) and VFA of the rumen liquids of goat. Conclusion: Green concentrate pellets composing 90% I. zollingeriana gave the best results in term of daily body weight gain, feed intake, nutrient degradability, efficiency of feed utilization, rumen fermentation in Boerka goats.