Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Arsi-Bale goats supplemented with graded levels of dry Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) foliage

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate feed intake, digestibility, weight gain and carcass characteristics of Arsi-Bale goats fed on effective microorganisms (EM) treated maize stover and supplemented with graded levels of pigeon pea foliage. Twenty four yearling male Arsi Bale goats with mean initial body weight of 15.5 ± 0.06 were assigned in completely randomized block design to the following treatment EM treated maize stoves ad libitum + 100 g 200 g, 300 g and 400 g pigeon pea foliage as fed basis. The feeding and digestibility experiment lasted for 80 and 7 days,
respectively. The dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intake of treated maize stover decreased, while the total DM, OM and crude protein (CP) intake increased (P<0.05), with increasing level of pigeon pea foliage supplementation. The DM digestibility with 300 g and 400 g supplement levels was higher (P<0.05) than with 100 g while 200 g had an intermediate value. The OM digestibility with 400 g supplement level was higher (p<0.05) than those goats fed 100 g, 200 g and 300 g foliage. The CP digestibility increased (p<0.05) with increasing levels of pigeon pea foliage. Digestible CP intake also increased (p<0.05) as CP intake of goats increased. The average daily gain of goats with 300 g and 400 g supplement levels was greater (p<0.05) than those supplemented with 100 g and 200 g foliage. Goats supplemented with 300 g foliage had the highest (p<0.05) slaughter weight, empty body weight, ribeye muscle area and total usable product. In conclusion, supplementation of 300 g of pigeon pea foliage to growing Arsi Bale goats showed a better performance, which could be used as dry season feed supplement for small holder farmers.