Evaluating Growth Performance of Saanen Doe Fed Napier Pak Chong (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum glaucum) Silage with Azolla microphylla Supplementation

Nurul Aini Kamaruddin*, Nur Qistina Afiqah Muhamad Asri and Nur Alya Adila Rosli

School of Animal Science, Aquatic Science and Environment, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia.

Received | February 21, 2024; Accepted | August 30, 2024; Published | October 09, 2024

*Correspondence | Nurul Aini Kamaruddin, School of Animal Science, Aquatic Science and Environment, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, 22200 Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia; Email: nurulkamaruddin@unisza.edu.my

Citation | Kamaruddin, N.A., N.Q.A.M. Asri and N.A.A. Rosli. 2024. Evaluating growth performance of saanen doe fed Napier Pak Chong (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum glaucum) silage with Azolla microphylla supplementation. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture, 40(Special issue 1): 89-100.

DOI | https://dx.doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2024/40/s1.89.100

Keywords | Azolla, Growth performance, Napier Pak Chong, Nutrient analysis, Protein, Saanen doe

Copyright: 2024 by the authors. Licensee ResearchersLinks Ltd, England, UK.

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Introduction

Livestock production is crucial in satisfying the increasing global demand for animal protein. However, conventional feeding practices, which heavily depend on traditional feed ingredients like grains and forages, encounter challenges related to sustainability, cost, and environmental impact. Consequently, it becomes imperative to investigate alternative feed sources that can optimize animal performance while addressing these concerns. The Asian region faces low self-sufficiency rates in milk and meat (MARDI, 2019). However, there has been a noticeable increase in the demand for goats bred for milk, such as the Saanen breed. While Asia remains the leading producer and consumer of dairy goats globally, a broader perspective of the industry offers valuable insights for developing a modern dairy goat sector. With population expansion in many countries, the worldwide dairy goat industry is experiencing rapid growth. Goat meat and milk products are gaining popularity due to their health and nutritional benefits, including enhanced digestion, lipid metabolism, and flavour (Wang et al., 2022). The Saanen goat (Capra hircus) originated in Switzerland’s Saanen Valley and has been referred to as Holstein Friesian due to their high daily milk yield and relatively low milk fat content (Bosman, 2014).

The basal diet in livestock refers to the primary diet consisting of forages, grains, and essential nutrients, which serve as the principal source of energy, protein, fibre, and carbohydrates. The composition of the basal diet varies depending on the type of livestock and production goals. Extensive studies aim to comprehend the nutritional requirements and optimal formulation of the basal diet for diverse livestock species. In ruminant livestock, the primary diets typically consist of forages like grasses, legumes, and browse. These diets are supplemented with grains and minerals. It is crucial to strategically and efficiently use small amounts of these supplements to address nutrient deficiencies, enhance rumen function, and improve feed utilization from low-quality roughages (Tolera et al., 2000). Additional feeds or supplements may be provided based on specific requirements and goals.

In Malaysia, Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) is widely cultivated as a forage crop for basal diet livestock due to its high productivity, adaptability to tropical conditions, and nutritional value. Several studies have been conducted to assess agronomic practices (Kebede et al., 2017), nutritional composition (Halim et al., 2013), feeding value (Habte et al., 2022), and utilization of Napier grass in the Malaysian context (Halim et al., 2013; Kamaruddin et al., 2020). Napier Pak Chong is a hybrid grass resulting from the crossbreeding of Elephant Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) with pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), aimed at enhancing the productivity of Napier grass plantations (Bangprasit et al., 2017). Napier Pak Chong exhibits adaptability to various environments, although it thrives best in soils rich in organic matter (Sirichaiwetchakul et al., 2016). This pasture species of Napier grass is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and demonstrates exceptional productivity in areas with fertile soil and abundant rainfall, even growing well at altitudes up to 2,000 meters above sea level (Wangchuk et al., 2015). According to Somjai and Suwan (2020), this hybrid Napier grass exhibits specific characteristics, including fast growth with high forage production, elevated carbohydrate and protein content, and a broad range of adaptability.

A. microphylla, commonly known as water fern or duckweed fern, is a small, free-floating aquatic plant that has gained attention as a potential feed ingredient for livestock (Chatterjee et al., 2013; Kamaruddin et al., 2020; Ting et al., 2022). It has a high protein content, ranging from 20% to 30%, making it a valuable protein source (Kumari et al., 2021). Additionally, A. microphylla exhibits rapid growth rates and can be easily cultivated in a wide range of climates, including tropical and subtropical regions. These characteristics make it a promising candidate for sustainable livestock feed supplementation. The nutritional composition of A. microphylla contributes to its potential as a livestock feed ingredient. It contains essential amino acids, including lysine, methionine, and tryptophan, which are often limiting in conventional feed sources (Kumar et al., 2019). It also provides vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids that can benefit animal health and productivity (Rashad, 2021).

Research on the supplementation of A. microphylla in livestock feed has predominantly concentrated on ruminants, particularly cattle and sheep (Singh, 2016). These studies have consistently showcased the favourable impacts of including A. microphylla in the feed, resulting in increased weight gain, improved feed efficiency, and enhanced milk production (Kumari et al., 2021). These benefits are attributed to the high protein content and improved nutrient digestibility of A. microphylla, as well as it, is potential to modulate rumen fermentation and microbial activity. In monogastric animals, including pigs and poultry, the supplementation of A. microphylla has shown promising results as well. It has been found to enhance growth performance, nutrient utilization, and egg production (Gouri et al., 2012). The unique composition of A. microphylla, including its amino acid profile and bioactive compounds, contributes to these positive effects (Kumari et al., 2021).

Although there is increasing of research on the utilization of A. microphylla as a feed ingredient for livestock, further investigations are needed to address key knowledge gaps. There is a need for studies to determine the optimal inclusion levels of A. microphylla, examine its long-term effects on animal health and productivity, and evaluate the economic feasibility of incorporating it into animal diets (Kumari et al., 2021). Additionally, expanding research to include different livestock species and diverse production systems would offer valuable insights into the broader applicability of A. microphylla as a feed ingredient. Thus, this study aims to measure and compare the growth performance of Saanen does feed with Napier Pak Chong (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) supplemented with A. microphylla.

Materials and Methods

Study site

The site of this study is located on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The study was conducted at Kaprima Hulu Seladang Valley Farm, Kampung Seladang, Terengganu, Malaysia (5° 46.0316’ N, 102° 37.9862’ E). This location is used for Napier planting, Azolla cultivation and feeding treatments. Hence, for the nutrition analysis, the experiment was carried out at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia (5° 45’ 53.8” N, 102° 37” E). Kaprima Farm serves as a dairy goat breeder and produces animal feed, including haylage. Additionally, the farm supplies natural fresh goat milk. The distance between Kaprima Farm and the University of Sultan Zainal Abidin Besut Campus is approximately 46.7 kilometres, which can be covered in a 45-minute drive.

Plant sample

The plant samples utilized in this study included Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla. Both forages were acquired from Kaprima Hulu Seladang Valley Farm Setiu, Terengganu.

Animal sample

This study employed Saanen does, approximately 4 years old (±1), as the research subjects. The goats were divided into four groups, with each group comprising three randomly selected Saanen does (n = 3) weighing between 30-40 kg. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate various growth performance parameters of the selected does, including Live Weight, Body Measurements, Body Condition Score, Average Daily Gain (ADG), and Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR).

Pak Chong Napier silage preparation

The Pak Chong Napier stems cutting was acquired from Kuala Berang Farm, Hulu Terengganu, and planted at Kaprima Hulu Seladang farm. Fresh matured Pak Chong Napier is cut and sundried for an hour to remove excess water. The sun-dried Pak Chong Napier is chopped using a chopper and then mixed with Effective microbial (EM) and molasses before being put in a vacuum-sealed beg. The Pak Chong Napier Silage is fermented after two weeks (Kamaruddin et al., 2019). After fermentation, Pak Chong Napier silage is weighed and oven-dried at 80°C for 24 hours (Kamaruddin et al., 2019).

Azolla preparation

The fresh A. microphylla was obtained by harvesting it from the canvas Azolla pool. After harvesting, the Azolla was carefully sealed in a zip lock bag before being transported to the laboratory. Upon arrival, the freshly harvested Azolla underwent a thorough washing process under running tap water to eliminate any residual soil and debris. The damp Azolla was then exposed to sunlight for approximately 10 minutes to facilitate the evaporation of excess water. Next, the Azolla was weighed and subjected to oven-drying at 70 °C for 24 hours (Kamaruddin et al., 2019). Once the Azolla had been completely dried, it was finely ground using a Waring Blender to acquire a homogeneous powder suitable for analysis.

Feed formulation

The ground Pak Chong Silage and A. microphylla were mixed according to the feed formulation specified in Table 1. The formulated feeds were categorized into four groups which are Control, Treatment 1, Treatment 2, and Treatment 3. The composition of the feeds consisted of 100% Pak Chong Silage for the Control group, followed by 90% Pak Chong Silage and 10% A. microphylla for Treatment 1, 80% Pak Chong silage and 20% A. microphylla for Treatment 2, and 70% Pak Chong silage and 30% A. microphylla for Treatment 3. The formulated feeds were stored in appropriately labelled zip lock bags before undergoing proximate analysis.

 

Table 1: Feed formulation ration of Pak Chong silage and A. microphylla.

Groups	Feed percentage (%)
	Pak Chong Napier silage	A. microphylla
Control group	100%	0%
Treatment 1	90%	10%
Treatment 2	80%	20%
Treatment 3	70%	30%

 

Nutritional analysis

The formulated feed was analysed for nutritional composition using proximate analysis at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Nutrition Laboratory according to the AOAC (2005) method. The analysis encompassed parameters such as moisture, ash, protein, fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate, and energy.

Feeding treatment

The Saanen does undergo a 7-day adaptation period during which they were provided with the treatment diets before data collection. They were fed twice daily, at approximately 9 am and 5 pm, following the ratios specified in Table 1. The goats’ daily feed intake was recorded, and their weekly feed consumption was monitored to ensure it met their daily requirements. To maintain cleanliness and prevent fungal growth, the feeding troughs were cleaned before introducing fresh feed. Once a week, each goat was weighed in the morning before feeding to calculate their average daily gain (ADG).

Statistical analysis

The collected data were analysed by one-way variance (ANOVA) to determine the significant differences between chemical compositions at different percentages by groups. The Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Corporation (2018). The significant difference in data tested is used to compare the mean difference between each group’s treatments, and the p < 0.05 value was considered a significant difference.

Results and Discussion

Proximate analysis of feed formulation

Figure 1 displays the proximate composition results for each group. The results indicate significant differences (p<0.05) between the groups for each parameter. Figure 1a illustrates there is a significant difference (p<0.05) in energy levels between treatments. Energy is crucial for maintaining fundamental life functions in animals, including respiration, circulation, digestion, and temperature regulation (Schmidt-Nielsen et al., 1997; Cooper and Withers, 2008). Sufficient energy intake is necessary to meet their maintenance requirements. The control group exhibits the highest energy levels at 348.72%, followed by Treatment 2 (345.08%), Treatment 3 (331.28%), and Treatment 1 (332.63%). The results of this study correlate with previous studies by Kamaruddin et al. (2022) that recorded that energy in Napier grass solely ranged from 300 kcal to 350 kcal.

 

Crude fibre is a measure of the indigestible carbohydrates, primarily consisting of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, present in livestock feed. Figure 1b illustrates that the control group has the highest amount of crude fibre at 48.73%, compared to Treatment 1, 2, and 3 groups with levels of 42.90%, 41.88%, and 39.87%, respectively. The results for feed formulation for each treatment are significantly different (p<0.05). The reduction in the percentage of Pak Chong Silage in the feed formulation contributes to the decrease in crude fibre content, as the Napier Pak Chong plant contains up to 25.66% crude fibre at 45 days (Mohamad et al., 2022).

Proteins play a vital role in various biological processes such as tissue growth and repair, muscle development, enzyme production, and hormone and antibody synthesis (Rattan, 1996). In milk-producing dairy animals, protein is particularly crucial for milk production. Milk contains significant quantities of proteins, including casein and whey proteins, which provide essential amino acids and nutrients for nursing offspring (Verduci et al., 2019). Adequate protein nutrition is essential for maintaining milk production levels, milk quality, and the growth of nursing young. Protein deficiency can result in symptoms such as swelling, fatty liver, and stunted growth in young animals (Owens et al., 1993). Fresh A. microphylla has been found to contain up to 30.50% crude protein (Kamaruddin et al., 2021). Figure 1c reveals that Treatment 3 exhibits the highest protein content (12.11%) among the treatment groups, surpassing Treatment 1, Treatment 2, and the control group, which have protein levels of 8.9%, 10.08%, and 6.53%, respectively. The protein content in the treatment groups gradually increases by the percentage of A. microphylla supplementation: 10%, 20%, and 30% for Treatments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The control group displays the lowest protein content at 6.63%. The addition of Azolla as a supplement enhances the protein content in the formulated feed, which is crucial for muscle development, particularly in growing animals.

Carbohydrates serve as the primary energy source in livestock diets which are required for metabolic processes, muscle activity, growth, milk production, and other physiological functions (Herdt, 2000; Belhadj et al., 2016). Figure 1d highlights a significant difference (p < 0.05) in carbohydrate content among the groups. The control group exhibited the highest carbohydrate content at 74.86%, followed by Treatment 2 (70.71%), Treatment 1 (68.28%), and Treatment 3 (64.60%). It is crucial to consider the type and quality of carbohydrates in livestock diets to ensure optimal nutrition. Different animals have distinct carbohydrate requirements, and the balance between non-structural carbohydrates and structural carbohydrates must be carefully managed to meet specific animal needs and production goals (Drackley et al., 2006). Proper formulation and management of carbohydrate sources in feed can contribute to enhanced energy utilization, growth, reproduction, and overall animal health (Hocquette et al., 1998; Nafikov and Beitz, 2007).

Live weight

The live weight of animals is a crucial factor in livestock production systems, as it directly impacts market value, feed efficiency, reproductive performance, and overall profitability (Young et al., 2010; Krupová et al., 2016). Efficient monitoring and management of live weight enable producers to maximize productivity, ensure the well-being of the animals, and make informed decisions that contribute to the success of their operations. Table 2 shows the live weight of Saanen does fed with four treatment levels of Napier Pak Chong grass supplemented with A. microphylla.

 

Table 2: Live weight of Saanen does feed at four treatment levels.

Items	Control	Treatment 1	Treatment 2	Treatment 3
Initial	37.67±1.53a	26.33±2.52b	33.33±4.16ab	29.00±3.61ab
Week 1	39.33±1.53a	28.33±3.51b	35.33±5.13ab	31.00±3.61ab
Week 2	41.00±2.00a	31.31±3.51a	36.67±5.51a	32.33±3.51a

 

ab means with common superscripts are significantly different (p < 0.05).

 

Different treatments of Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla were used to feed the subjects, and it was observed that each treatment had varying effects on live weight. Following the study period, a significant difference (p<0.05) in live weight was found between the control group and the treatment group during the Initial and Week 1 stages. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) was observed between Treatment 2 and Treatment 3. Nevertheless, during Week 2, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in live weight between the control group and any of the treatment groups. These statistical findings may have been influenced by analytical errors encountered when using the weighing scale for measurements during the Initial and Week 1. Additionally, there are no significant differences among the groups in week 2 indicating that all groups experienced similar weight gain during that week. This aligns with the findings of Kumar et al. (2012) and Kumar and Chander (2017), who observed that Azolla supplementation had no impact on monthly body weight fluctuations in buffalo bulls and male kids.

Body measurement

Body length: Table 3 shows the body length of Saanen Does feed with four treatment levels of Napier Pak Chong grass supplemented with A. microphylla.

Feeding different treatments of Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla resulted in varying effects on body length. Throughout the study period, a significant difference (p<0.05) in body length was observed between the control group and the treatment groups during the Initial and Week 1 measurements. However, no significant difference (p>0.05) was found between Treatment 2 and Treatment 3. Additionally, in Week 2, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in body length between the control group and any of the treatment groups. These statistical findings are likely attributed to similar body length gains observed during the Initial and Week 1 measurements. Furthermore, the lack of significant differences in Week 2 suggests minimal body weight gain across all groups.

 

Table 3: Body length of Saanen does feed at four treatment levels.

Items	Control	Treatment 1	Treatment 2	Treatment 3
Initial	84.00±1.73a	74.33±3.06b	77.33±4.04ab	80.67±s2.31ab
Week 1	86.33±1.16a	77.00±3.61b	80.33±4.51ab	82.67±3.06ab
Week 2	88.00±1.00a	81.00±4.58a	82.67± 5.03a	84.33±2.52a

 

ab Means with common superscripts are significantly different (p < 0.05).

 

Wither height

Table 4 shows the wither height of Saanen does feed with four treatment levels of Napier Pak Chong grass supplemented with A. microphylla.

 

Table 4: Wither height of Saanen does feed at four treatment levels.

Items	Control	Treatment 1	Treatment 2	Treatment 3
Initial	69.67±5.03a	68.67±2.52a	75.33±5.03a	70.33±4.16a
Week 1	71.33±5.13a	70.67±2.52a	76.67±5.03a	72.00±3.61a
Week 2	73.00±4.58a	72.67±2.52a	78.00±6.56a	72.67±2.89a

 

a Means with common superscripts are non-significantly different (p > 0.05).

 

Feeding different treatments of Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla revealed that all treatments had a similar effect on wither height. At the end of the study period, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in wither height between the control group and the treatment groups. These statistical results could be attributed to the relatively short duration of the study and the possibility of physiological changes that contribute to the slower growth rate. A limited experimental period can decrease the statistical power of a study. With a shorter experiment duration, the sample size may be reduced, thereby limiting the statistical power to detect significant effects or relationships in the study. This can impact the ability to detect significant effects or relationships accurately. Apparently, the growth of an older goat tends to slow down compared to younger goats which are still in a grower state. As goats age, their growth rate naturally slows down. Ageing goats experience several physiological changes that contribute to a slower growth rate. As goats age, their digestive system may be affected, leading to impaired nutrient absorption. This can result in reduced efficiency in absorbing nutrients, leading to lower availability of essential nutrients for growth and development (Webb et al., 2012). Consequently, this contributes to the slower growth rate observed in ageing goats. Ageing is associated with an increasing inability to sustain the functional integrity of cells, organs and systems (Webb and Casey, 2005).

Chest height

Table 5 shows the chest height of Saanen does feed with four treatment levels of Napier Pak Chong grass supplemented with A. microphylla.

 

Table 5: Chest height of Saanen does feed at four treatment levels.

Items	Control	Treatment 1	Treatment 2	Treatment 3
Initial	81.33±2.31a	73.33±2.31b	80.00±2.00ab	79.33±4.16ab
Week 1	82.00±2.00a	75.00±2.65b	81.33±1.16a	80.67±3.06ab
Week 2	82.67±3.06a	78.00±2.65a	83.33±1.16a	82.00±4.00a

 

ab Means with common superscripts are significantly different (p < 0.05).

 

Feeding different treatments of Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla resulted in varied effects on chest height. Throughout the study period, a significant difference (p<0.05) in chest height was observed between the control group and the treatment groups during the Initial and Week 1 measurements. However, based on Table 5, there is no significant difference (p>0.05) was found between Treatment 2 and Treatment 3 in the Initial measurement, and between the control group and Treatment 2 in Week 1. Additionally, in Week 2, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in chest height between the control group and any of the treatment groups. These statistical findings are likely attributed to the similar body length observed during the Initial and Week 1 measurements. Furthermore, the absence of a significant difference between the groups in Week 2 suggests that all goats had similar abdominal cavity and digestive tract measurements. This is in line with findings by Kusminanto et al. (2020), which state that chest height is also related to the abdominal cavity and digestive tract, which account for 10% - 25% of the live weight.

Body condition score

Table 6 shows the body condition score of Saanen does feed with four treatment levels of Napier Pak Chong grass supplemented with Azolla microphyla.

 

Table 6: Body condition score (BCS) of Saanen does feed at four treatment levels.

Items	Control	Treatment 1	Treatment 2	Treatment 3
Before	1.67±0.29a	1.50±0.50a	1.83±0.29a	1.83±0.29a
After	2.00±0.00a	2.33±0.29a	2.17±0.29a	2.17±0.29a

 

a Means with common superscript is non-significantly different (p > 0.05).

 

Feeding different treatments of Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla demonstrated that the treatments had a similar effect on the body condition score (BCS) both before and after the study, as indicated in Table 6. There is no significant difference (p>0.05) in BCS between the control and the treatment at both data collection times can likely be attributed to random errors that may have occurred during the measurements. It is important to note that BCS is a subjective, semi-quantitative method of evaluating body fat and muscle. Methods for assigning a BCS have been developed for production (cattle, sheep, goats) (Burkholder, 2000). Therefore, the statistical results obtained reflect the subjective nature of the BCS assessment.

 

Figure 2 illustrates the correlation between different treatments and the body condition score (BCS) of Saanen does before and after the study. According to the correlation analysis, Treatment 1 resulted in the highest BCS after the study, with a score of 2.33, followed by T2, T3, and C, with BCS values of 2.17, 2.17, and 2.00, respectively. This suggests that goats fed with Treatment 1 received adequate nutrition compared to those fed with the other treatments. Maintaining the goat’s nutritional level to achieve an optimal body condition (neither too fat nor too thin) is crucial for ensuring the reproductive performance of does and reducing feeding costs, leading to significant cost savings.

A decline in fertility, increased susceptibility to diseases or internal parasites, decreased milk production, and higher feed costs are all potential consequences of inadequate understanding regarding the appropriate conditions for goats in various physiological states. Therefore, it is essential to maintain goats in a moderately desirable body condition. When the overall BCS of a farm or flock significantly decreases, preventive measures such as deworming, proper nutritional supplementation (in terms of energy and protein), vaccination against common diseases, and pasture management techniques like rotational grazing should be implemented. Debilitated or low BCS goats should be separated and provided with adequate additional nutrition in terms of energy and protein, along with ample access to feeds and fodders. Conversely, overly fat does should have limited access to feed (Ghosh et al., 2019).

Average daily gain

The average daily gain (ADG) is a widely used measurement in livestock farming that quantifies the rate at which animals gain weight during a specific timeframe, typically presented as grams or kilograms per day. ADG plays a crucial role in evaluating livestock’s development and productivity, offering valuable insights into their general well-being, nutritional status, and the effectiveness of management practices.

Feeding different treatments of Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla revealed that the treatments had a similar effect on the average daily gain (ADG) during the study, as indicated in Table 7. This lack of significant difference (p>0.05) in ADG between the control group and the treatment groups at both data collection times can likely be attributed to the similar amount of feed consumed by each goat across all groups. Although the overall ADG of the control and treatment groups was statistically equivalent, the treatment group T1 displayed a numerical advantage. Previous studies by Jyoti et al. (2016); Toradmal et al. (2017); Dev et al. (2022) reported similar findings in involving kids. The average daily gain was significantly higher in the treatment group (T2) compared to the control group during the 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th week of the experiment.

Feed conversion ratio

A lower FCR indicates higher feed efficiency, meaning less feed is needed to produce weight gain. This is desirable for livestock producers as it reduces feed costs and improves profitability. Factors that can influence FCR include the species, breed, age, genetics, health, and diet composition of the animals, as well as environmental conditions and management practices.

 

Table 7: Average daily gain (ADG).

Items	Control	Treatment 1	Treatment 2	Treatment 3
ADG	0.24 ± 0.04a	0.36 ± 0.07a	0.26 ± 0.11a	0.24 ± 0.04a

 

a Means with common superscript is non-significantly different (p > 0.05).

 

Feeding different treatments of Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla revealed that the treatments had a similar effect on the average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the study, as indicated in Table 8. There is no significant difference (p>0.05) in FCR between the control group and the treatment groups at both data collection times indicating that the FCR remained constant and did not vary significantly between the groups. This suggests that, throughout the feeding period, the efficiency of converting feed into weight gain was consistent across all groups. Additionally, it can be inferred that goats that consumed more feed were able to achieve higher levels of growth, as supported by the findings of Aswanimiyuni et al. (2018).

 

Table 8: Feed conversion ratio (FCR).

Items	Control	Treatment 1	Treatment 2	Treatment 3
FCR	6.19 ± 0.94a	3.25 ± 0.64a	6.24 ± 3.29a	5.14 ± 0.78a

a Means with common superscript are non-significantly different (p > 0.05).

 

Figure 3 illustrates the correlation between different treatments and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of Saanen does before and after the study. Based on the correlation analysis, T1 exhibited the lowest FCR with an average of 3.25 kg, followed by T3, C, and T2 with averages of 5.14 kg, 6.19 kg, and 6.23 kg, respectively. The FCR is an essential parameter used to assess animal growth performance, measuring the efficiency with which livestock convert feed into the desired output. It is defined as the mass of feed consumed divided by the output over a specific period (Carstens et al., 2006). FCR is useful for evaluating the effects of diet quality, environment, and management practices (e.g., implants, ionophores) on production efficiency in growing and finishing cattle, FCR has limited value as an efficiency trait for genetic improvement, even though FCR is moderately heritable (Crews, 2005). As indicated in Table 8, goats fed with T1 demonstrated a lower FCR compared to those fed with other treatments. Animals with a low FCR are considered efficient feed users, which is preferred by farmers as it allows them to achieve higher output with less feed. Consequently, a low FCR implies reduced feed costs (Aswanimiyuni et al., 2018).

 

Conclusions and Recommendations

In summary, adding A. microphylla to Napier Pak Chong has significantly improved the growth performance of Saanen does. This enhancement is due to the higher protein content in both feed sources, which positively affected growth-related factors such as live weight, body measurements, body condition score, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion rate (FCR) when the does were given the supplemented diets. Using this unconventional feed source can help reduce feed costs for farmers. Treatment 1 offers a nutritional profile with 8.69% protein, 42.90% crude fiber, 68.28% carbohydrates, and 332.63 kcal of metabolizable energy, making it a strong choice for supporting the growth and health of Saanen does. Both Napier Pak Chong and A. microphylla are valuable crops for animal feed and forage, and their cultivation could bring significant socio-economic benefits to rural communities.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia (MOHE) FRGS/1/2019/WAB01/UNISZA/02//4.

Novelty Statement

This study comprehensively improves the growth performance of Saanen doe by enriching their diet with a combination of Napier Pak Chong as the basal diet and A. microphylla as a protein supplement. This innovative approach facilitates the identification of the most effective dietary regimen for Saanen doe in terms of delivering essential protein supplementation.

Author’s Contribution

Nurul Aini Kamaruddin, Nur Qistina Afiqah Muhamad Asri and Nur Alya Adila Rosli: Designed the study.

Nur Qistina Afiqah Muhamad Asri and Nur Alya Adila Rosli: Performed the field work and collected the data.

Nurul Aini Kamaruddin and Nur Qistina Afiqah Muhamad Asri: Analyzed the data and drafted the manuscript.

All the authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Conflict of interest

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

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