Nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation profile of goats fed on gram straw (Cicer arietinum) based complete feed pellets

The current trial aimed to find out how providing goats with complete feed pellets based on gram straw (Cicer arietinum) consisting of roughage 50% and concentrate 50% would affect the nutrient utilization, nutrient retention and rumen fermentation profile. Twelve adult goats of identical body weights were allocated into two groups (Control and Treatment), each with six goats, and were raised in stalls. The control group of goats received 500 g/day of concentrate and ad libitum access to Super Napier hay. However, treatment goats were given complete feed pellets made from gram straw with 5050 roughage and concentrate. Following a preliminary period of 21 days, a metabolic trial was carried out. Rumen liquor was taken 4 hours after feeding during the study, and its pH, total nitrogen, TVFA, and total protozoan and bacterial counts were evaluated. The goats in the treatment group had significantly higher nutrient digestibility for all nutrients (DM, CF, CP, EE, and NFE) and fibre fractions (ADF, NDF, hemicellulose, and cellulose) than the goats from the control group (P<0.01). Positive N, Ca, and P retention was obtained in both groups. In the treatment goats, the N, Ca, and P retention was more (P<0.01). Additionally, the treatment goats had significantly higher levels of TVFA, total nitrogen, total bacteria, and protozoa in the rumen fluid than those in the control group. In conclusion, stall-fed goats benefitted by the gram straw-based complete feed in pellet form in terms of nutrient retention, rumen fermentation profile, and nutrient utilization.