Calliandra calothyrsus as a protein source in goat’s diets: Study of feed intake and ruminal fermentation parameters

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the usage of Calliandra leaves as protein source in Kacang goat’s diet at Wonolagi, Gunungkidul. Fifteen female Kacang goats weight 20 to 23 kg were plotted randomly into three diets treatments. The diet consisted of basal diets (local forages provided by farmer’s practices) with three different treatments: 100% Calliandra (T1), 50% Calliandra + 50% Soybean meal (SBM) (T2), and 100% SBM (T3). Parameters observed in this study were: feed intake (Dry matter intake, DMI; Organic matter intake, OMI; Crude protein intake, CPI; and Crude fiber intake, CFI) and ruminal fermentation parameters after 3 hours feeding period (pH value, total volatile fatty acid (VFA), acetate, propionate, butyrate, and A:P ratio). Collected data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the difference between means were analyzed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. DMI, OMI, and CFI did not differ among treatments, however, greater SBM content in T3 improved CPI 34.21% significantly (P<0,05) compared to T1. Ammonia, total VFA, acetate and propionate profile were greater in T2 diets compared to T1 (P<0.05). In conclusion, the use of Calliandra to substitute SBM should be in the 50 to 50 ratio to optimize the feed intake and ruminal fermentation profile.