Feed Intake, Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance and Urinary Purine Derivatives of Goat Fed Leucaeana leucocephala and Stylosanthes guianensis

Abstract

      A feeding trial was carried out to assess the comparative values of Stylosanthes guianensis (stylo) and Leucaeana leucocephala (Leucaeana) as protein supplement for goat based on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and purine derivatives. A total of 9 male crossbred (Jumnapari x Saanen) goats were used in the experiment with an average initial body weight of 18 ± 0,2kg. The goats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 3 each to be fed ad libitum one of three experimental diets in metabolism cages. Three dietary treatments composed of maize stover supplemented with one of two forage legume and ground corn (200 g/day). Results showed that intakes of dry matter, organic matter, protein and digestibility were highest when maize stover was supplemented with Leucaeana except protein digestibility (P<0,05). Goats fed Leucaeana and stylo supplemented diets had positive nitrogen balance, purine derivatives, microbial nitrogen and the efficiency of microbial nitrogen supply was better than those of control group (P<0,05). However, all parameters were lower for goats fed stylo compared to leucaeana (P<0,05). Experimental results suggested that leucaeana and stylo can be utilized as source of protein supply during the dry season. Leucaeana had more potential for feeding goats compared to stylo.