Effect of Feeding Maize Oil Cake on Feed Intake, Body Weight and Economics in Goat Kids

Eighteen Beetal male kids were randomly divided into three groups of 6 animals each. The kids of group I were maintained on basal ration comprising of green fodder, gram straw and concentrate mixture. Maize oil cake was included in the ration of group II and group III @ 15% and 30% of concentrate mixture, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for a period of 120 days. Body weight changes and feed intake of animals were recorded at fortnightly intervals. The dry matter intake (DMI) recorded every fortnight did not vary significantly between the groups. The body weight gain over 120 days and average daily weight gain (ADG g) was found significantly (P<0.05) higher among the groups offered maize oil cake @ 15% and 30% of the concentrate. The mean values of nutrient intake (g/day) i.e DCP and TDN of experimental kids under different dietary treatments differed significantly and were highest in group III followed by group II and group I. The feed cost per kg body weight gain was reduced by 2.7% in T2 (15% maize oil cake) and 4.3% in T3 (30% maize oil cake) group respectively. Results of the study showed that inclusion of maize oil cake increased body weight gain as well as reduced the cost of feeding male kids per kg weight gain.