Effects of supplementing Rhodes grass hay (Chloris gayana) with selected indigenous browse species on voluntary feed intake, feed digestibility and live weight change of goats

摘要

The study consisted of a 60 day feeding trial using 12 goats with mean initial body weight and age of 17.6 kg and 6 months, respectively. The objectives were to examine the effects on voluntary feed intake, feed digestibility and live weight change, of supplementing low quality Rhodes grass hay with browse from Acacia brevispica and Berchemia discolor. The three dietary treatments were offered in a completely randomized design with four animals per treatment. Supplementing low quality Rhodes grass hay (4% CP in DM)  with leaves of Acacia brevispica and Berchemia discolor doubled the DM intake and converted a loss in live weight of 48 g/day into moderate growth rates of 21 and 22 g/day.