Effect of herbal feed additive containing saponins on the performance of goat kids

This study was taken up to assess the effect of supplementing Macrotyloma uniflorum (an herbal feed additive; HFA) on nutrient utilization, productive performance and meat quality of goat kids. Eight male Beetal goat kids (5 months old; body weight 14.05±0.41 kg) divided in to 2 equal groups were either fed a control total mixed ration (TMR) containing concentrate and green fodder in 50: 50 ratio on DM basis or control TMR supplemented with M. uniflorum @ 2.0% of DM intake for 90 days. Simultaneously, rumen studies were conducted on three rumen fistulated male bucks. Higher total-N, trichloroacetic acid precipitable nitrogen (TCA-N) and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) concentration was observed in strained rumen contents (SRC) of animals fed M. uniflorum supplemented TMR as compared to control. Supplementation of TMR with M. uniflorum increased the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and fermentation efficiency while efficiency of conversion of hexose to methane decreased in M. uniflorum supplemented TMR in comparison to control TMR. Nutrients digestibility, N-retention, urinary excretion of purine derivatives, blood profile and average daily gain were comparable in both the groups. The higher ready to cook (RTC) carcass percentage resulted in higher RTC carcass yield in M. uniflorum supplemented group. Overall, the weight of most of the primal cuts expressed as per cent of dressed weight improved in goat kids fed TMR supplemented with M. uniflorum as compared to those fed control diet. Hence, the higher weight of most of the primal cuts can be achieved in Beetal goat kids by supplementing the TMR with M. uniflorum (kulthi) at 2% of DM intake.