DefinePK

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of unconventional forage mixtures, which include Mirasolia diversifolia (Md), Gliricidia sepium (Gs), Indigofera zoolingeriana (Iz), and palm concentrate (PC), as a substitute for company rations on the feeding, nutrient digestibility, dairy output, and quality of milk in Etawa mixed-breed dairy goats. The study was conducted using a design known as a completely randomized design, involving four distinct ration treatments and replicated four times. The research treatments were as follows: Treatment A served as the company’s feed management (60% company forage + 40% company concentrate (CC)), B (60% (Md+Gs) + 15% CC + 25% PC), C (60% (Gs+Iz) + 15% CC + 25% PC), D (60% (Md+Iz) + 15% CC + 25% PC). The parameters measured were ration consumption, nutrient digestibility, milk production and quality. The results showed an insignificant impact (P>0.05) on ration consumption, nutrient digestive efficiency, dairy output, and milk quality. In summary, this study concludes that the use of unconventional forage mixtures consisting of Mirasolia diversifolia, Gliricidia sepium, Indigofera zoolingeriana, and palm concentrate is able to replace company rations as seen in the parameters of consumption, nutrient digestibility, dairy output and milk quality of Etawa crossbreed dairy goat’s milk.