Evaluation of Different Levels of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal Substituted Concentrate Feed on Growth Performance and Parasitic Load in Barbari Goat Kids

Abstract

The present study was conducted on 20 yearling Barbari goat kids were selected from herd of goats purchased under RKVY funded project “Establishment of goat unit for conservation and revitalization of superior germplasm of Barbari goat” at Institutional Livestock Farm Complex (ILFC) unit 2, SVPUA&T, Modipuram, Meerut (Uttar Pradesh) India, for duration of 90 days. The study was conducted from March 2022 to June 2022. Animals of similar age & conformation were divided into four groups (n=5) based on complete randomized design (CRD). Group 1 was control and other three were treatment (T1, T2 and T3). Control group was provided with basal diet containing roughages and 100% concentrate without moringa substitution while treatments group were provided with roughages and 20%, 30%, and 40% M. oleifera as a substitution of conventional concentrate mixture for T1, T2 and T3 group respectively. Faecal samples were collected from rectum at 7 am for estimation of parasite using Mc Master protocol. The result showed overall improvement in body weight change and daily body weight gain. Highest average daily body weight gain and significant change (P<0.05) in body weight per day was observed in T3 group. Dry matter intake and overall mean weight was similar among the groups. FCR was lowered in T3 group and overall mean FCE was also improved significantly (P<0.05) in treatment groups. Parasitic load was decreased significantly (P<0.01) in treatment group, T3 which showed highest reduction in parasitic load. Body length, chest girth and height at wither did not differ among the groups. The results of study suggested beneficial effects of M. oleifera on growth performance and reduction in parasitic load in Barbari goat kids