Optimizing Breed-Specific Feeding Strategies to Enhance Goat Production in the Wet Climate Regions
Optimizing Breed-Specific Feeding Strategies to Enhance Goat Production in the Wet Climate Regions
Muhammad Abdul Basit1, Lionel Kinkpe1,3*, Abdur Rahman1, Boko Michel Orounladji2, Hafiz Qadeer Ahmed3, Muhammad Subbayyal Akram4, Elodie Dimon5, Gadah Albasher6, Syed Muhammad Suhail1
ABSTRACT
The increasing scarcity of grazing land and the rising density of livestock pose significant challenges to goat production, particularly for small-scale farmers who depend on these animals for their livelihoods. This study extends existing research on alternative feeding systems by investigating the global relevance of feeding strategies—stall-feeding, semi-grazing, and grazing—on the performance and profitability of three Pakistani goat breeds: Makhi Cheeni, Barbari, and non-descript. A total of 243 goats were systematically assigned to treatment groups, ensuring nutritional balance through calculated nutritional and chemical compositions of Pennisetum purpureum and concentrated feeds. The study assessed performance metrics, including weight gain, body condition score (BCS), and blood parameters, aiming to identify globally applicable, breed-specific feeding strategies for optimal production in the Pothohar Valley, a region characterized by its wet climate. Results demonstrated that Makhi Cheeni and non-descript goats achieved the highest weight gains under stall-feeding (1.50 and 1.20 kg/week, respectively), with outcomes statistically comparable to those in the semi-intensive system (p > 0.05). Grazing produced the lowest weight gains for these breeds (1.08 and 0.81 kg/week, p < 0.05). In contrast, Barbari goats showed no significant difference in weight gain across the feeding systems. Moreover, Makhi Cheeni goats recorded the highest BCS under stall-feeding (2.83), whereas grazing led to the lowest BCS (2.37, p < 0.05). Blood analysis indicated lower total cholesterol levels in Makhi Cheeni goats under semi-intensive grazing systems compared to stall-feeding (p < 0.01), pointing to possible dietary insufficiencies. This research highlights the importance of breed-specific feeding strategies, with Makhi Cheeni goats particularly benefiting from stall feeding in terms of growth, health, and cholesterol metabolism. The findings not only address local challenges but also offer insights that could be valuable for improving goat production systems globally.
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