Feeding value of straws of semi arid zone in goat

Crop-residues of semi arid zone of Rajasthan viz., groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L;, GN), guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba; GU), moth (Phaseolus aconitifoliu; MO), mustard (Brassica compestris; MU) oat (Avena sativa; OA) and wheat (Triticum vulgarae; WS) were evaluated for their nutritional worth on 6 male Marwari goats in switch over design. The experimental feeds were fed ad-lib as a sole ration. The DMI (% BW) for various straws ranges from 2.15–3.12% and were significantly higher for GN and lower for MU straw. Digestibility of nutrients was significantly higher for GU, MO and GN straws in comparison to OA, MU and WH straws. Among three legume straws, nitrogen utilization was better in goat fed moth straw followed by GU and GN straws whereas GN was found to be the most efficient in terms of gain and feed utilization efficiency of goat. The percent DCP and TDN in GC group were higher than in other straws. The balance of nitrogen and bodyweight gain was positive in moth, groundnut, guar straws and negative in oat, mustard and wheat straws. Calcium and phosphorus were found positive in all cases. Passage rate of digests may be rated as follow moth > groundnut > guar > oat > mustard > wheat straw. It was concluded that the leguminous straws were superior nutritionally and could meet the maintenance requirement of goat where as non-leguminous straws needed supplement nitrogen for maintenance ration.