Utilization of Acacia nilotica Pod Meal as a Protein Supplement in Growing Goats

A 75-day growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding babul pods (Acacia nilotica) meal on the growth performance of Black Bengal male goat kids. Eighteen goats (average body weight 10.3 kg, aged 7–8 months) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments (T1, T2, T3) with six animals per group. All goats received roughage and a homemade concentrate mixture (20% crushed maize, 15% mustard cake, 10% groundnut cake, 15% chana besan, 10% rice polish, 25% wheat bran, 2% mineral mixture, 1% salt, 2% calcite) formulated to meet nutrient requirements as per ICAR, 2013. In T1, the standard concentrate was fed; in T2 and T3, 10% and 20% babul pods replaced mustard cake and wheat bran to maintain isonitrogenous diets. Babul pods contained CP 17.34%, EE 4.15%, CF 15.32%, NDF 34.56%,ADF 28.25% andADL2.32%.Average dailygains were 40.72 g (T1), 46.82 g (T2), and 52.04 g (T3), with no significant differences (P > 0.05). Feed conversion ratios (DM and CP basis) were also similar. However, parasitic load was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in T2 and T3. Feed cost was highest in T1, while net profit was highest in T3, indicating economic and health benefits of babul pod inclusion.