Full text

Turn on search term navigation

© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.

Abstract

Simple Summary

Palm kernel cake (PKC) is a by-product used in the diet of ruminants (sheep, dairy cows, beef cattle) with the aim of reducing production costs. The inclusion of PKC showed promising results mainly in feedlot animals. However, among domestic ruminant species, goats are the most selective feed animals, which may result in different feeding behavior and performance when PKC is included in the diet. We tested the dietary inclusion of PKC, a by-product of the biofuel industry, at the levels of 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg−1, to evaluate its impact on the performance, feeding behavior and the metabolic profile of lactating goats. The inclusion of up to 80 g kg−1 PKC is recommended for the diet of goats without affecting the performance.

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the optimal inclusion rate of palm kernel cake (PKC) in diets for lactating goats based on intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, milk production and nitrogen metabolism. Twelve goats were used, eight Saanen and four Anglo Nubian, with a body weight of 46.0 ± 9.4 kg and 105 ± 5 days of lactation, distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design in triplicate. The diets were composed of increasing levels of PKC; 0, 80, 160 and 240 g kg−1 of dry matter (DM). The DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and non-fibrous carbohydrates intakes decreased (p < 0.01) with the PKC inclusion. Milk production and milk protein decreased (p = 0.001), and milk production efficiency was not affected (p > 0.05) by the PKC inclusion. The ether extract intake varied quadratically (p < 0.01). Feeding and rumination efficiencies of dry matter and NDF were reduced (p < 0.001). The fat and total solids contents of the milk were influenced quadratically (p < 0.05). Nitrogen excretion (feces and milk), and retained nitrogen decreased (p < 0.001). Moderate use of up to 80 g kg−1 DM of PKC in the diet of lactating goats is recommended since at these levels milk production or body weight are significantly affected.

Details

Title
Palm Kernel Cake in Diets for Lactating Goats: Intake, Digestibility, Feeding Behavior, Milk Production, and Nitrogen Metabolism
Author
Ferreira, Fernanda G 1 ; Leite, Laudí C 2   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Alba, Henry D R 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Douglas dos S Pina 1 ; Santos, Stefanie A 1 ; Tosto, Manuela S L 1 ; Rodrigues, Carlindo S 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; Dorgival M de Lima Júnior 3 ; de Oliveira, Juliana S 4   VIAFID ORCID Logo  ; José E de Freitas Júnior 1 ; Bruna M A de C Mesquita 5 ; Gleidson G P de Carvalho 1   VIAFID ORCID Logo 

 Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Bahia, Av. Adhemar de Barros, 500, Ondina, Salvador 40170110, Brazil 
 Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal do Recôncavo da Bahia, Cruz das Almas 44380000, Brazil 
 Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Mossoró 59625300, Brazil 
 Department of Animal Science, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia 58397000, Brazil 
 Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Montes Claros 39404547, Brazil 
First page
2323
Publication year
2022
Publication date
2022
Publisher
MDPI AG
e-ISSN
20762615
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2716477063
Copyright
© 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Notwithstanding the ProQuest Terms and Conditions, you may use this content in accordance with the terms of the License.