Feed Intake, Digestibility, and Growth Performance of Young Male Kacang Goats Fed Diets Containing Different Energy Levels
Feed Intake, Digestibility, and Growth Performance of Young Male Kacang Goats Fed Diets Containing Different Energy Levels
Paulus Klau Tahuk*, Gerson Frans Bira, Wolfhardus Vinansius Feka
ABSTRACT
The study aimed to assess the impact of dietary energy levels on the performance of intensively reared young male Kacang goats. A total of 15 Kacang goats were divided into 3 treatment groups: T1, fed with an energy level (TDN) of 70.038% + crude protein 13.448%; T2, fed with TDN 72.295% + crude protein 13.922%; and T3, fed with TDN 73.264% + crude protein 13.473%. The rations consisted of native grass, Gliricidia sepium leaf meal, ground corn, pollard bran, and rice bran. Variables observed included feed intake and digestibility, as well as growth performance metrics such as average daily gain (ADG), conversion rate, and feed efficiency. While there were no significant differences in dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) intake among treatments, significant variations (P<0.05) were observed in the intake of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), carbohydrates (CHO), and metabolizable energy (ME). OM intake in treatments T2 and T3 was higher than in T1; CP intake in treatment T3 was higher than in T1, but similar to T2. CF intake in T3 was lower (P<0.05) compared to T1 and T2. Moreover, CHO intake was higher (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 compared to T1, while ME intake was higher (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 compared to T1. The digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CHO, and energy (GE and ME) was notably high and relatively consistent across treatments. However, CF digestibility was lower in T3 compared to T1 and T2. Kacang goats receiving 73.264% TDN exhibited better ADG and feed efficiency compared to those receiving 70.038% and 72.295%. Additionally, feed conversion was lower (indicating better performance) in goats receiving TDN levels of 73.264% and 72.295% compared to those receiving 70.038% (P<0.05). In conclusion, the use of an energy level of 73.264% TDN appears to enhance the performance of young Kacang goats compared to levels of 70.038% and 72.295%.
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