Using of sunflower silage instead of corn silage in the diets of goat

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using sunflower silage instead of corn silage for goats in early lactation on rumen and blood parameters and milk yield and composition. Saanen x Hair goat crossbred were used to assess their milk yield and composition with four diets, where corn silage (CS) was substituted with sunflower silage (SS) at amounts of 0, 34, 66 and 100 % of diets, respectively. The concentrations of C18:1 cis-9, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (CLA), C18:3n6 and C18:3n:3 fatty acids increased, due to the increase in the content of SS in the diet, and the highest levels of these fatty acids were found in the 100SS group (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, the roughage source represents an effective strategy for altering the fatty acid composition of goat milk, with evidence that the total mixed ration is an important determinant of ruminal unsaturated fatty acid metabolism in the goat.