Performance of goats on wheat and sorghum straw-based complete feed pellets

Thirty-six male goats were randomly distributed into 3 equal groups and fed on complete feed pellets of concentrate (40 parts) and roughage (60 parts). The roughage source was wheat straw (WSP), sorghum straw (SSP) and wheat and sorghum straw (WSSP) in the 3 treatments. The dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (P<0.01) higher for SSP. The crude protein, cellulose and hemicellulose digestibilities were significantly (P<0.01) higher for SSP and was comparable with WSSP. Nitrogen, calciumand phosphorus balances were positive in all the goats. Rumen NH₃ N and TVFA were significantly (P<0.01) higher in SSP and WSSP groups. It was concluded that sorghum straw could be used as a sole roughage source in complete pellet feed for intensive goat production.