Abstract

FLORES-HERNANDEZ, Arnoldo et al. Diets based on traditional forages and prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) supplemented with protein to feed goats. Nova scientia [online]. 2017, vol.9, n.18, pp.149-166. ISSN 2007-0705.  https://doi.org/10.21640/ns.v9i18.828.

The objective was to determine the chemical composition of the diets and their effect on live weight gain, consumption and feed rejection. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications and as main factor three diets with following components: diet 1) 40% alfalfa hay + 60% sorghum hay, diet 2) 40% natural dry nopal + 60% sorghum hay and diet 3) 40% dry nopal enriched with protein + 60% sorghum hay. The results showed that the diet of nopal enriched with proteins natural dry nopal have highest nutritive quality but the drying and/or storage conditions affect the quality of the components of the evaluated diets. The live weight gain was higher in goats fed with the diet of nopal enriched with protein but the percentage of forage rejected was higher in this diet. The live weight gain was lower in alfalfa and natural dry nopal, respectively. The libe weight gain and the time of forage consumption showed positive and significative correlation; however, it is neccesary to determine the optimal time of forage consumption and evaluate the cost-benefit of diets.

Keywords : Feeding; animal nutrition; solid fermentation; ruminants.

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