Comparative Study of Intake Apparent Digestibility and Energy and Nitrogen Uses in Sahelian and Majorera Dairy Goats Fed Hay of Vigna unguiculata

摘要

A specialized dairy goat like the Majorera (M) breed could be a good opportunity to meet the high demand for dairy products in Senegal. The efficiency of forage use from the M breed was therefore compared to that of the local Sahelian (S) breed. To this end, 6 M and 6 S goats were given a hay of a legume, , as sole source of nutrient and their energy and nitrogen metabolism were studied. Forage intake was higher in the M goats but also their milk production. The efficiency with which energy and nitrogen was used was similar between the two breeds but M required more energy to meet its survival needs (energy for maintenance) and possibly less protein. Thus, it appears that M is probably better suited to dairy production systems requiring more attention from breeders.