Growth performance, body composition and feed efficiency of Alpine-beetal crossbred kids fed on various levels of energy and bypass protein

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Taye Tolemariam
Shiv Prasad

Abstract

Thirty Alpine-beetal crossbred male kids were grouped in to five of six each tostudy effects of energy and bypass proteins on growth performance, feed efficiencyand body compositions. All groups received iso-nitrogenious (18% CP) concentratebut varied energy densities. Kids in group I and II were fed medium energy perNRC (1981) recommendation but varied by formaldehyde treatment of the proteinin group II. Group III was fed with 25 % higher TDN, while groups IV and V weregiven 25% lower TDN than NRC level and protecting the protein in group V. Thetrial was conducted for a period of 20 weeks.The two lower energy groups (IV andV) had low nutrient intakes compared to the rest (P<0.01). Group III consumedabout 150 gm more; while groups I and II consumed 90 gm more dry matter perday than the two low energy groups. Groups II and III had significantly higher(P<0.05) body weight, daily gain and body condition scores than the two lowenergy groups due to variation in feed intake. Body weight gain was higher by 10-15 g/d for groups II and III than IV and V. However, the body compositions andfeed conversion efficiency (gain/nutrient intake) of the kids were not affected.Despite the relatively lower cost incurred to groups IV and V, the cost per gain inbody weight remained similar for all due to proportionate growth rate and feedintake. However, kids in group II had the better return in terms of estimated saleprice of meat.In conclusion, higher energy with low bypass protein and mediumenergy with bypass protein improved the feed intake and growth performance ofthe kids with better returns, while the body composition and the feed conversionefficiency were not affected.

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How to Cite
Tolemariam, T., & Prasad, S. (2012). Growth performance, body composition and feed efficiency of Alpine-beetal crossbred kids fed on various levels of energy and bypass protein. Ethiopian Journal of Applied Science and Technology, 3(2), 1-12. Retrieved from https://journals.ju.edu.et/index.php/ejast/article/view/859
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Articles
Author Biographies

Taye Tolemariam, Jimma, Ethiopia

Jimma
University, College of Agriculture and veterinary medicine, P.O. Box 307,
Ethiopia

Shiv Prasad, Haryana (India

National Dairy Research Institute (Deemed University), Karnal-132001, Haryana (India
*1 Corresponding
author: tayetolaa@yahoo.com