Effect of Feeding Acacia nilotica Pods on Feed Intake, Nutrient Utilization and Balances of N, Ca, and P in Lactating Goats

摘要

Twenty one crossbred (Alpine x Beetal) lactating goats, divided in to three groups of seven each, were fed on total mixed ration (concentrate: roughage 50:50). Babul pods (Acacia nilotica) were incorporated @ 0,33 and 50 % in concentrate mixture equivalent to tannin concentration of 0,3 and 4.5 % in total mixed ration (TMR) of groups I, II and III, respectively. Natural babul pods were supplemented in the TMR of group II while these were treated with 3% Ca(OH)_2 prior to the supplementation in TMR ofgroup EL Dry matter intake was found to be higher in group III compared to group II and intake of digestible ether extract was higner (P<0.05) in group III than in groups I and II. Ether extract digestibility was higher (P<0.01) in groups II and III than in group I. Balances of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were positive in all the groups. However, calcium balance was significantly higher (P<0.01) in groups II and III than in group I (control). Gross energy efficiency was numerically higher in groupII than in other groups while gross protein efficiency remained similar among groups. It is concluded that feeding of babul pods to the extent of 16.5% in TMR equivalent to 3% tannin in diet could be safely incorporated in the diet of lactating goats without affecting their performance. It was further observed that Ca (OH)_2 treated babul pods could be utilized up to 25% in TMR equivalent to 4.5% tannin in diet.