Effect of feeding dried leaves on growth performance, Moringa ole fera iblood biochemical status and economy of production in Barbari goats

Abstract

A three-months feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding leaves as Moringa ole feraireplacement to concentrate in the ration of growing goat. Eighteen female Barbari goats of uniform age and conformation (16.65 ± 1.20 kg; 11 to 13 months) were divided randomly into three groups. The animals in control group (T ) were fed basal diet consisting of roughage and concentrate in equal proportion, whereas in 1treatment groups T and T the concentrate mixture was partially replaced with dried leaves at 23Moringa oleifera 05% and 10% levels, respectively. Significantly (P&38;lt0.01) higher average daily feed intake was recorded in T 3group compared to T and T groups. Mean daily body weight gain was significantly (P&38;lt0.01) higher in T group, 123than T and T . The biochemical parameters showed significant (P&38;lt0.01) lowering in blood cholesterol in T213 and a significant (P&38;lt0.05) elevation in total protein and globulin at the end of experiment. The cost-benefit analysis of dietary treatment showed that it was 0.79, 0.83 and 1.02 for T , T and T , respectively. It was 123concluded that dried leaves could replace up to 10% of concentrate in growing goats without Moringa oleifera impairing their performance and health status, while reducing the cost of feed