Nutritional performance of goats fed non-conventional diets based on olive pulp in Sinai [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Due to the acute shortage of feed ingredients in the desert of Egypt, particularly during summer and autumn season, it was necessary to improve the utilization of local feed resources. Different levels of olive pulp were used in rations of goats during feeding (90 days) followed by a digestibility trial (15 days). Twenty eight mature bucks (averaged 23.8 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to four groups of7 animals each). The groups were given ad. libitum in addition berseem hay (25% of the maintenance requirements). Ration I (R1) contained 100% commercial concentrate feed mixture (CFM): ration 2 (R2) was made from 79% olive pulp + 1% urea+ 20% molasses ,ration 3 (R3) contained 59% olive pulp + 1% urea+ 20% date seeds + 20% molasses and ration 4 (R4) was formulated from 40% olive pulp + 20% date seeds + 20% sunflower meal + 20% molasses. Results of the feeding trail indicated that the maximum voluntary intake of supplement was achieved by goats fed the R4 ( DM/kg BW). The CP, CF and NFE nutrients were efficiently digested by goats given the R4 while most nutrients showed slightly better values for ration 2. TDN and DCP intakes showed much better values for ration 4 (23 .3 and 2.39 g/kg B.W., .respectively). All animals were in positive N balance and the highest N retention was attained for goats offered ration 4. Feed conversion values were 12.76, 13.02, 11.98 and 12.82 kg DM/kg B.W gain for groups fed rations 1,2.3 and 4. respectively. Feed cost /kg B.W gain were 5.37, 2.68, 2.46 and 3.28 L.E. for groups fed rations 1.2.3 and 4. respectively. It was recommended to use olive pulp in ruminant rations during drought season since these feed ingredients are available and feed costs would be reduced.

Summary in Arabic.

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