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Publication Date

1977

Description

For the past fifteen years in France goat rearing has developed thanks to a favourable economic background. The specialization of farmers has given rise to new needs in breed­ing techniques and particularly in green forage feeding systems. From 1972 to 1975, trials were carried out to specify the utilization of green forage by milking goats in order to simplify and rationalize their diet. Three factors were studied to estimate their effect on forage intake: removal of hay from the ration, the quantities of green forage offered, and the quantities of concentrates distributed. When the green forage has a good feeding value,

removal of hay from the ration is possible; forage intake is maximum when fed ad lihitum (25 % refusal); an addition of 0. 700 kg of dry matter of concentrates is sufficient for adult lactating goats.

Throughout these trials, the milk production and composition and the health of the goats have been satisfactory.

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Factors affecting green forage intake by the milking goat

For the past fifteen years in France goat rearing has developed thanks to a favourable economic background. The specialization of farmers has given rise to new needs in breed­ing techniques and particularly in green forage feeding systems. From 1972 to 1975, trials were carried out to specify the utilization of green forage by milking goats in order to simplify and rationalize their diet. Three factors were studied to estimate their effect on forage intake: removal of hay from the ration, the quantities of green forage offered, and the quantities of concentrates distributed. When the green forage has a good feeding value,

removal of hay from the ration is possible; forage intake is maximum when fed ad lihitum (25 % refusal); an addition of 0. 700 kg of dry matter of concentrates is sufficient for adult lactating goats.

Throughout these trials, the milk production and composition and the health of the goats have been satisfactory.