Effect of dietary supplementation of walnut cake (Juglans regia) on the performance of goats

A study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary incorporation of walnut cake on the performance of adult male goats. The composite diet containing iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures with variable levels of walnut cake (0–30%) were studied for in vitro degradation. Based on in vitro results concentrate mixture containing 10% of walnut cake was selected for in vivo feeding trial. Twelve local male goats (10–12 months-old) were randomly allotted to two equal groups and fed ad libitum wheat straw with either conventional (control) or walnut cake containing concentrate mixture (treatment). Body weight of goats did not vary between periods and between groups. Dry matter and organic matter intake and digestibility were comparable among the two groups. Crude protein and neutral detergent fibre digestibilities were also similar in the control and treatment groups. The balancesof nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus were also positive inboth the groups without any difference in their intake and excretion between the control and treatment animals. Cost comparison of concentrate mixture for control group and treatment group indicated a saving of about 5% over the cost of conventional concentrate mixture. It was concluded that walnut cake incorporation up to 10% level in the concentrate mixture does not lead to any negative effect over feed intake, nutrient digestibility and balancein adult male goats.