Effect of Feed Restriction on Nutrient Metabolism, Metabolic Profile and Excretion of Nutrients in Goats

This experiment examined the effect of feed restriction on nutrient metabolism, nutrient excretion and metabolic profile in goats. Fifteen goats of about 1 year age and average body weight (BW) of 12.59±0.60 kg were randomly divided into three equal groups viz., Control, RF-1 and RF-II. The goats of control group were fed a TMR ad libitum as per the predicted requirement (Kearl, 1982), while in group RF-I and RF-II goats were fed 12.5 and 25% restricted diets, respectively of predicted requirements for 60 days. Blood was collected from all experimental animals at 0 and 60d. A metabolism trial of 6 days duration was conducted towards the end of feeding trial. Daily intake of dry (DM) and organic matter (OM; g/kgW^0.75) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in control group followed by RF-I and RF-II groups. Digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE and ADF was significantly (P<0.05) higher in RF-II as compared to control, with RF-I at intermediate position. Urinary excretion and retention of nitrogen as well as retention of P was comparable among treatment groups. Feed restriction at 12.5 and 25% levels significantly reduced the excretions of nitrogen (17.58–30.93%) and phosphorus (17.64–36.9%) by goats. Nutrient density (%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in control group as compared to RF-II. Haemoglobin, PCV, serum glucose, total protein, globulin, A: G ratio, AST, ALT and ALP were comparable among treatment groups, however, serum albumin and urea N were higher in control. Body weight (kg) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in control and RF-I as compared to RF-II. Feed restriction considerably improved the nutrient utilization in goats and mild restriction at 12.5 percent level was found to be more efficient.