Improved productivity of kacang goats reared by farmers using balanced rations with different sources of protein

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to improve the productivity of kacang goats raised by farmers by changing their feed. The dietary changes included using balanced ration, containing protein from animals (fish meal, FM/IR1) and plants (agro-industrial by product; soybean meal, SBM/IR2). Feed was provided in the form of total mixed rations (TMR). Materials and Methods: Twelve years-old kacang goats that weighed 17.84±1.57 kg each were divided into three groups of treatments using a completely randomized design. Results: The average daily gain (ADG) of the control groups (41.57 g) was lower than that of improved ration 1 (IR1) group (72.75 kg) and improved ration 2 (IR2) group (91.71 kg) because the DMI/BW0.75, CP, EE and NFE intake of the control group was lower compared to the other groups. The retained N in control goats was the lowest while the retained N in IR2 goats was highest; IR2 was similar to IR1 goats. The N retention (%) and retained N conversion ratios were similar. Metabolizable energy (ME) across treatments was similar but the ME conversion ratio of IR1 (0.07±0.01 Mj g-1) and IR2 (0.07±0.01 Mj g-1) was higher than that of the control (0.11±0.02 Mj g-1); IR1 was similar to IR2. Conclusion: Fish meal and soybean meal supplemented in feed rations can improve the nutrient intake, digestibility, N retention and ME in kacang goats, as well as increase of their productivity (ADG).