Effect of feeding Acacia nilotica pods on body weight, milk yield and milk composition in lactating goats

Twenty one lactating goats were divided into three groups of seven each and fed with three different diets in the ratio of 50:50, concentrate: roughage. Acacia nilotica pods were incorporated @ 0, 33 and 50% in concentrate mixture equivalent to tannin concentration of 0, 3 and 4.5% in the total mixed ration (TMR) I, II and III respectively. Native babul pods were supplemented in group II while in group III, it was treated with 3% Ca (OH)₂ before supplementation. The overall body weight during 9 fortnights revealed that body weight gain was similar amongst all the three groups. The overall OMI (kg/d) in different treatments remained similar during whole experimental period. Fortnightly milk and 4% FCM yields were non-significantly higher in TMR II than control. However, fortnightly milk composition was similar among the treatment groups. It is concluded that Acacia nilotica pods may be incorporated up to 33% in concentrate mixture of lactating goats without affecting milk production and its composition and it may be increased up to 50% by treating with Ca (OH)₂ before use.