Scientific Papers Animal Science and Biotechnologies (Sep 2023)
Effects of Pigeon Pea Leaves and Concentrate Mix Supplementation on Biological Performance, Carcass Yield and Market Weight of Central Highland Goats in Ethiopia
Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pigeon pea leaves and concentrate mixture supplementation on biological performance, carcass yield, market weight and carcass characteristics of male Central Highland Goats (CHG) at Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, Northeastern Ethiopia. A total of 24 yearling intact male goats with an initial body weight of 21.4±1.12 (Mean±SD) were used for this experiment. For the study, randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed. Experimental goats were divided in to 4 treatment groups and blocked in to 6 groups based on their initial live weight. Six goats were randomly allocated to each treatment group. The treatments were: T1= grass hay ad libtum+100% Noug seed cake, T2= grass hay ad libtum+65% Noug seed cake+35% pigeon pea hay, T3= grass hay ad libtum+35% Noug seed cake+65% pigeon pea hay and T4=grass hay ad libtum+100% pigeon pea leaf hay on DM base. The finding indicated that total DM intake of T3 goats was 902.3 g/day, which was higher (p0.05) difference among treatments. The average dressing percentage (DP) as basis of empty body weight recorded was within the range of (54.25-54.94). Similarly, DP as the bases of slaughter weight was in the range of 45.25-47.6. Hence, it is recommended that Central Highland Goat attained a market weight range of 25-30 kg within 84 day of feeding using pigeon pea leaves as protein supplement. Based on accessibility and other biological importance of pigeon pea and better daily feed intake Central Highland Goat supplement with 65% of pigeon pea and 35% of Noug seed cake as protein supplements mix with 50% Wheat bran of daily supplementation requirement should be recommended
