Performance of Goat Fed Exbucklandia (Symiogtonia pouplnea) Leaves

Black Bengal goats (7–8 months), divided in 3 groups, were fed on concentrate (250g) + Congosignal grass (Brachieria rosenensis) 1.5 kg (T), Exbucklandia (Symiogtonia pouplnea) leaves 1.5kg + Congosignal grass 1.5 kg (T₂) and grazing on native vegetation (T₃). DM intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP and GE were lower in group T₂ than in groups T₁ and T₃. The average daily gain was higher in group T₂ (20.24±3.00) than in T₃ (10.41±2.08) indicating lower gain due to energy expenditure on grazing. Thus, goats could be maintained on Exbucklandia leaves and cultivable grasses during lean period of winter.