PSXII-24 - Effects of feeding levels on digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of growing Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding levels on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of growing Korean native goats. Five growing bucks (19.5±1.4 kg) with an average age of 5 months were randomly allocated to one of five feeding levels [maintenance (M), 1.1 x M, 1.2 x M, 1.4 x M, and 1.6 x M]. The experimental design was 5 × 5 Latin square design and all animals were housed individual pens (1.2 m × 0.9 m) for an adaption period of 2 weeks and collection period for 1 weeks. Rumen samples were collected before morning feeding using oral stomach tube. Nutrient digestibility increased linearly in goat as feeding level increased (P < 0.01), but body weight did not differ among feeding levels. Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration showed no significantly differences among feeding levels. The total and individual volatile fatty acids concentration increased linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P < 0.05) with increased feeding levels. Blood metabolites did not differ among feeding levels. The fecal energy loss was not influenced by feeding levels, but digestible energy was increased linearly (P < 0.01) and quadratically (P < 0.05) with increased feeding levels. The metabolizable energy requirement was estimated using quadratic line model and ranged from 154 to 163 kcal per metabolic body weight based on average daily gain and ME intake. These results suggest that higher feeding levels of growing goat increases digestibility and nutrient utilization efficiency in the rumen. These results serve as a basis for the establishment of goat feeding programs at the farm scale in the Republic of Korea.