MEADOWFOAM (Limnanthes alba) MEAL AS A FEEDSTUFF FOR DAIRY GOATS AND TOXICOLOGIC ACTIVITY OF THE MILK

Abstract

The feeding value and goitrogenicity of meadowfoam (Limanthes alba L.) meal (MFM) as a feedstuff for dairy goats and the goitrogenic and toxicologic activity of milk from goats fed the meal were evaluated. Pregnant goats were fed a diet containing 30% raw MFM beginning 12–13 wk prior to parturition. Control goats received a similar diet without MFM. At parturition, MFM-fed does had slightly lower serum thyroid hormone levels than the controls. Kids from MFM-fed does had similar serum thyroid hormone levels at birth and lower levels at weaning compared to control kids. The MFM-fed and control dams had similar thyroid hormone levels at weaning. The growth rate of kids fed MFM was lower (P < 0.05) in the postweaning period than for controls. Milk from goats fed MFM was fed to growing rabbits. Rabbits fed this milk had heavier thyroid weights and higher mortality than rabbits receiving water or milk from control goats. No difference in serum thyroid hormone levels occurred. The results suggest that raw MFM should not be fed to lactating animals until the significance of milk-transferred goitrogenic agents has been fully assessed. Key words: Meadowfoam meal, Limnanthes, goats, glucosinolates, milk, rabbits