College of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur - 176 062, India
Online published on 5 January, 2012.
Twenty male kids (2 to 3 m, 12.2 to 12.3 kg body weight) divided into 5 equal groups in a randomized block design, were fed 100:100 (A), 115:115 (B), 115:85 (C), 85:115 (D) and 85:85 (E) percent of recommended levels of protein and energy, respectively, for 46 wks. Growth rate significantly (P<0.01) increased as the level of energy increased irrespective of low or high protein in the diets of groups B and D. The average growth rates (g/d) were 59.48, 71.98, 54.50 74.52 and 43.26 in the respective groups though DMI (kg/100 kg body weight) among the groups did not differ. Nutrients digestibilities were significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups B and D than in other groups. Nitrogen balances (g/d) were 6.82, 8.28, 6.44, 8.30 and 4.76 (P<0.05) respectively. Feed gain ratio was significantly lower (P<0.05) in groups B and D than In other groups, indicating a iower feed requirement per kg gain in live weight with the increase in the level of energy. Based on the results of this study,the requirements of nutrients for Gaddi goats were determined.
