Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology

A 90d growth trial was conducted on eight male Beetal goat kids (5 months old; average BW 14.85±0.31 kg) to assess the effect of supplementing Anethum sowa-a herbal feed additive (HFA) containing essential oils-on their nutrient utilization, productive performance and meat quality. The animals, divided into two equal groups, were offered either a control total mixed ration (CON) or the same supplemented with Anethum sowa at 2.0% of DM intake (HFA). Rumen studies were conducted simultaneously on three adult Beetal bucks fitted with permanent rumen fistulae adopting a complete crossover design involving two periods. Results indicated that the concentrations of various N fractions were higher (P<0.01) in the rumen contents of animals in the HFA group as compared to the CON; however, the ammonia-N as percent of total-N was depressed (P<0.01) in the HFA group. The total and individual VFAs concentrations were improved (P<0.01) in HFA group, with improved acetate to propionate ratio. The daily DM intake, digestibility of nutrients, N-retention, blood profile and urinary purine derivatives, and ADG were statistically comparable in both the groups. The dressing percentage and edible offal percentage were similar between the two groups. The ready-to-cook carcass expressed on weight basis (P<0.05) or as percent of live weight (P<0.01) basis was improved significantly in HFA group. The weight of non-carcass components was improved in the group fed HFA as compared to CON group. It was concluded that total mixed ration supplemented with A. sowa at 2.0% of DM intake improved the carcass characteristics of Beetal goat kids.