Growth, Feed Intake And Conversion Ratio of Improved Goats Fed Brachiaria Grass And Napier Grass Mixed With or Without Leucaena Leaf Meal

Abstract

This study assessed the growth and feed intake performances of Galla goats and their crosses with local goats fed on Brachiaria grass cultivar Mulato II and Napier grass mixed with Leucaena leaf meal. Twenty-four Galla goats and 24 crossbred goats were selected and divided into four groups of three goats for each genotype and put in a partitioned house for goats’ stall feeding. Goats from each group were identified using ear tags, randomised and then allotted one of the dietary treatments. Feed rations used as treatments were hay of Mulato II, silage of Napier grass, Mulato II, ML (67% Mulato + 33% Leucaena leaf meal) and NL (67% Napier grass + 33% Leucaena leaf meal). Individual goat weights were taken on a weekly basis. Feed samples of each diet were collected every week and analysed for nutritive values. The chemical composition of feed showed significant differences (P<0.05) among diets. Absolute and relative nutrient intakes showed that Galla goat had a higher DM intake of NL compared to other diets and in crossbreds. Galla goats had a higher feed conversion ratio for DM from Napier and NL diets. Mulato II increased body weight up to 29% and 47% over Napier grass in crossbreds and pure Galla goats, respectively. The findings suggest that Mulato II could be a better feed resource for growing goats. Further studies should be conducted by increasing the levels of Leucaena leaf-meal in the diets and determine nitrogen retention and quality of meat under the same feeding regime.