Utilization of bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) pomace in the ration of goats

This study was undertaken to assess the nutritional worth of bottle gourd pomace (BGP) as feed in the total mixed ration (TMR) of goats through both in vitro and in vivo evaluation. The in vitro gas production studies revealed that increasing levels of BGP (0, 25, 50, 75 or 100%) in the iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric concentrate mixtures improved (P<0.01) the digestibility of NDF but depressed that of true OM, besides reducing ME value and VFA production. A 90-d growth trial was conducted on 12 Beetal bucks (37.6±0.76 kg BW). Animals divided into three equal groups were offered either control TMR containing concentrate mixture and green oats in 50: 50 ratio (DM basis) or TMR with concentrate mixture containing 25 or 50% BGP. The digestibility of ADF and cellulose was improved (P<0.01), but that of CP was depressed (P<0.01) in the 50% BGP-supplemented group. The rumen studies revealed that bacterial and total protozoal population decreased (P<0.01), while the fungal population in the rumen increased (P<0.01) with increasing levels of BGP in the diet. The total and individual VFAs concentration was reduced (P<0.01) in BGP incorporated groups compared to the control group. However, different branched-chain fatty acids in the 50% BGP-supplemented group were comparable or higher (P<0.01) than the control group. The relative proportion of acetate and BCFAs was improved (P<0.01) in the 50% BGP group compared to other groups. No adverse effect was observed on the purine derivatives excretion in the urine and blood profile of the goats. The average daily gain in BW was also comparable in all the groups. It is concluded that bottle gourd pomace could be safely incorporated up to 50% in the concentrate mixture of goats.