Evaluation of using Moringa oleifera plant in goat rations and its impact on productive and reproductive performance (original) (raw)

2018, Egyptian Journal of Sheep and Goat Sciences

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different feeding levels of Moringa fodder when partially replaced Berseem hay in the rations of growing lactating Baladi does on digestibility, feed utilization, ruminal fermentation, milk yield and quality and economic efficiency. Twenty-one growing does averaged 6 months old and 13.25± 0.26 kg live body weight were allotted randomly into three similar groups, seven each. The nutritional allowances of all groups were calculated according to NRC (2007) up to the end of the experiment. The experimental period represents the productive and reproductive cycles of the goats i.e, growing, mating, gestation and lactation periods. The control group (R1) fed 50% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + 50% Berseem hay (BH) up to the end of the experimental period. Group (R2) fed 50% CFM + 37.5% BH + 12.5% Moringa oleifera (MO), while R3 fed 50% CFM + 25% BH + 25% MO. Results indicate that R3 (25% MO) had the highest digestibility values for all nutrients, feeding values (as TDN or DCP) and ruminal VFA concentration, while recorded lower rumen liquor pH value and NH3-N concentration compared with the other treatments. In addition, animals fed R3 had heavier (P<0.05) weight at first service and at conception. Results of total and daily gain at puberty, first service and conception with R3 were also recorded the highest values among all treatments. Also, results of rations included M. oleifera had elevated actual milk yield by 10.26 and 12.67% and energy corrected milk (ECM) yield by 16.43 and 21.86% for tested rations that included 25% or 50% MO, respectively. At the same time both MO-rations (R2) or (R3) had improved all milk constituents as fat, protein, lactose, TS, SNF and ash percentages compared with those of control ration (R1) which free of MO. It could conclude that feeding during growth stage on ration consisted of 50% CFM+25% BH+ 25% MO (R3), had superior feed conversion and economic efficiencies and additionally improved some productive and reproductive performances, while, during the period of milk production, feeding ration consisted of 50% CFM+37.5% BH+ 12.5% MO (R2) is preferred compared to the other treatments based on economic aspect. Keywords: Moringa oleifera ,goats, digestibility, rumen environment, productive and reproductive performance.