Nutrient Utilization and Energy Value of Maize Oil Cake in Ration of Goat Kids

Astudy was conducted to assess the effects of dietary inclusion of maize oil cake on nutrient digestibility, nutrient intake, FCR and energy value of feeding maize oil cake in 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. Ether extract digestibility (%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 (78.45) and T3 (80.77) groups as compared to the control group (76.38) in both experiments. DM, OM, CP and NFE digestibility did not differ significantly among different treatment groups. Nutrients intake (g/day) in terms of DCP and TDN were found significantly (P<0.05) higher for maize oil cake added groups (T2 and T3) than control group. Nitrogen intake and nitrogen balance reported higher (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 groups than T1 group. Overall mean FCR of experimental kids was found similar among all dietary treatments. GE, ME, DE values were significantly (P<0.05) higher in maize oil cake added treatment groups. Results of the study showed that inclusion of maize oil cake improved ether extract digestibility and intake of total digestible nutrients as well as energy value of feed due to its high energy and protein content.