Description
Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the feed intake, relative palatability indices and blood parameters of vetch varieties as a component of goat diet. The field and palatability study was carried out at the North West University, Molelwane Farm, North West province, South Africa. Ten weaner goats (16 ±2 kg) were used in this experiment. Four feeds (Vicia sativa – common & volga vetch ), Vicia villosa Roth (haymaker plus vetch) and buffalo hay grass were used in this experiment and each goat was exposed to these treatment diets. A cafeteria feeding method was used, allowing goats free access to the diet of their choice. A one-way ANOVA (SAS, 2010) was used to test the feed intake, relative palatability and blood profiles. Haymaker plus and Buffalo grass hay had the lowest palatability index. The diet intake was positively predicted from palatability (r2 = 0,661; p=0.0001). Goats that were fed vetch had their RDW levels higher (P < 0.05) in comparison to goats that were grazing There were no significant (P < 0.05) differences in the total protein and albumin concentrations in goats fed vetch and those grazing outside. Based on intake, palatability and blood profiles it shows that goat preferred Volga and common vetch over the Haymaker plus vetch. Supplementing with the vetch legumes showed an improvement to the blood profiles of the goats. Thus, vetch can be used as a protein supplement to low roughage grasses which may bring an overall productivity of these ruminants.
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Intake, Relative Palatability Indices and Blood Parameters of Vetch Varieties as a Component of Goat Diet
Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the feed intake, relative palatability indices and blood parameters of vetch varieties as a component of goat diet. The field and palatability study was carried out at the North West University, Molelwane Farm, North West province, South Africa. Ten weaner goats (16 ±2 kg) were used in this experiment. Four feeds (Vicia sativa – common & volga vetch ), Vicia villosa Roth (haymaker plus vetch) and buffalo hay grass were used in this experiment and each goat was exposed to these treatment diets. A cafeteria feeding method was used, allowing goats free access to the diet of their choice. A one-way ANOVA (SAS, 2010) was used to test the feed intake, relative palatability and blood profiles. Haymaker plus and Buffalo grass hay had the lowest palatability index. The diet intake was positively predicted from palatability (r2 = 0,661; p=0.0001). Goats that were fed vetch had their RDW levels higher (P < 0.05) in comparison to goats that were grazing There were no significant (P < 0.05) differences in the total protein and albumin concentrations in goats fed vetch and those grazing outside. Based on intake, palatability and blood profiles it shows that goat preferred Volga and common vetch over the Haymaker plus vetch. Supplementing with the vetch legumes showed an improvement to the blood profiles of the goats. Thus, vetch can be used as a protein supplement to low roughage grasses which may bring an overall productivity of these ruminants.
