Effect of replacing wheat straw with almond hull and shell in diets on nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of Goat

To determine the effect of replacing wheat straw with almond hulls and shell in diets on nutrient digestibility and blood parameters of goat, eight male Kilis goats were arranged in 4x4 Latin square design using 4 animal groups (2 animals of each), four diets and four periods. Diets were 20% or 40% wheat straw or almond hull and shell, balance being a compound feed. Almond hull and shell consuming goats had higher DM intakes with no effect on digestibility or blood parameters except decreased blood urea level. Thus almond hull and shell seem to be a safe and palatable roughage for goats and can replace wheat straw.