Effects of different methionine to lysine ratios in starter feed on growth, blood, digestive traits, and carcass traits in goat kids

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the methionine-to-lysine ratio (MLR) in a low-protein (17%) starter on the growth, blood, digestive traits, and carcass traits of goat kids. Forty-five goat kids were assigned to one of three different starter groups (MLR): A (0.29), B (0.31), or C (0.33). During the six-week trial, growth and blood parameters were evaluated every 2 weeks, and digestive traits were evaluated from 0 to 14 days during the treatment. At the end of the treatment period, five goat kids from each group were slaughtered to measure their carcass traits. Results showed no significant growth differences among the groups. Blood parameters were in a normal range and without significant differences. There were no significant differences in digestive traits among the three groups. For carcass traits, group C had significantly higher carcass and heart weights (P < 0.05). In conclusion, adjusting the MLR from 0.29–0.33 in 17% crude protein starter had no negative effect on goat kids. This approach may not only decrease feed costs and reduce nitrogen emission to achieve environmental benefits, but also increase feeding efficiency.

Keywords

• methionine
• lysine
• goat kid