Effects of Nutrients Utilization on Feeding Fortified Sweet Potato Vines with Roasted Soy Bean Meal at Different Time Regimes by Dairy Goats

Abstract

In Kenya, Napier grass (NP) and sweet potato vines (SPV) are some of the main source of feeds for dairy goats in low-inputs farming systems. The two, contains both high moisture and rumen degradable protein (RUP) which have negative effects in the utilization of nutrients. These effects can be reduced by fortifying the fodder diets with different amount of roasted soybean meal (RSBM). The objective of the current study was to investigate the amount of RSBM that is suitable for optimal utilization of nutrients in the two fodders. Three (3) diets were formulated as follows A= Control, B= Control Diet+ 3.25% RSBM and C= Control Diet+ 6.5% RSBM. The diets were offered to three Kenya Alpine and Toggernburg does in three feeding times. Data on apparent digestibility of the diets composition, rumen ammonia Nitrogen and nitrogen balance were recorded and analysed. In Kenya Alpine diet A and B had the highest (P<0.05) dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) apparent digestibility and C the lowest (P<0.05). In Toggernburg does diet A had the highest (P<0.05) DM and OM digestibility and C the lowest (P<0.05). In Toggernburg feeding time regime β had the highest (P<0.05) nitrogen free extracts apparent digestibility and α lowest (P<0.05). On nitrogen balance diet C had the highest (P<0.05) while C had the lowest (P<0.05) in Kenya Alpine. In addition, trial diet C had the highest (P<0.05) nitrogen balance while A had the lowest (P<0.05) in Toggernburg.