Effect of partial replacement of concentrate mixture by sesbania (Sesbania sesbari) on nutrient utilization, growth performance, blood metabolites and economics of production in growing osmanabadi goats

Sesbania (Sesbania sesban) tree fodder, including edible stems and leaves, was evaluated as a replacement to concentrate mixture in goat ration. Eighteen growing Osmanabadi goats (3–4 months; 11.91+0.35 kg) were divided into three equal groups; one control and two treatment groups. The concentrate mixture of the control group (S₀) was replaced with sesbania fodder at 25 and 50 per cent levels, respectively, for the goats in the treatment groups S₂₅ and S₅₀. The intake of DM and OM did not differ (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. The DCP content of the composite diet was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the sesbania-supplemented groups S₂₅ and S₅₀ when compared with S₀. The feed intake was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in S₅₀ and S₂₅ over S₀ in the said order. The apparent digestibility of CP was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in S₂₅ than in S₅₀, whereas it remained comparable in S₀. The total BW gain and ADG was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in S₂₅ and S₀ when compared to S₅₀ in the said order. The body condition score of experimental goats improved significantly (P<0.05) as the study progressed from 0 to 90 d. The blood urea nitrogen and faecal egg counts were found inversely correlated with the dietary inclusion of sesbania, showing a steady decline with die increase in the dietary inclusion of sesbania. The net profit per goat was significandy higher in sesbania-supplemented groups (S₂₅ and S₅₀) when compared with S₀ The inclusion of sesbania up to 25 per cent in goat diets to replace concentrate mixture improved the growth performance and economics of goat production.