Effect of graded levels of phosphorus on the performance and nutrient utilization in kids

Weaned Barbari kids (24; 3–4 m old of 11.7±0.6 kg BW) randomly divided in to three equal groups were offered concentrate mixture containing either 0.29, 0.44 or 0.59% P, supplemented with 330 g pegion pea straw and 300–400 g/d berseem fodder for 120 days. The roughage and concentrate ratio was 60: 40 in all the treatments. The ADG (g) and FCR were 70.0 and 11.0; 77.8 and 12.3; 76.3 and 12.0 respectively in T₁, T₂ and T₃ groups. The animals were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances. Significantly (P<0.05) increase in phosphorus balance was observed. The digestibility of nutrients was not infleunced by level of P. It was conclude that increased phosphorus (P) beyond maintenance level in the ration of goats had no positive influence on either growth rate or nutrients utilization. However, feed conversion efficiency was found best in the treatment T₂ where Ca and P ratio was 2.65:1 in the ration of Baberi kids.