Effect of Non-Conventional and Conventional Fodder on Growth Performance of Goats in Farmers Field Condition

Abstract

The present experiment was carried out on farmers’ goats in their sheds in Rayale village of Kavre district for 150 days. Eighteen khari goats (both male and female), 8-12 months old and having similar body weight were randomly divided into three groups comprising of six individuals in each group. Three types of rations were formulated for the experimental goats. Feed intake by experimental goats in terms of green and dry matter was significantly different (P<0.05) between the treatment groups. Growth rate of the goats fed with top dressed maize stover (treatment 2) was higher than the treatment 3 (seasonal fodder adlib + 200 g concentrate mixture) and treatment 1 (1/2 maize stover silage + seasonal fodder adlib + 200 g concentrate mixture). The lowest average daily gain (ADG) was found in treatment 3 where goats were fed conventional fodder and grasses supplemented with concentrate (18.4 g) followed by treatment 1 (24.6 g).

Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 7 2006