Feed selection and water intake of indigenous goat wethers under stall-feeding conditions

Abstract

Six indigenous (Pedi) goat wethers (18 months old) with an average body mass of 25.1 kg were fed five diets, consisting of a mixture of lucerne (Medicago sativa) and teff (Eragrostis teff) in a cafeteria style arrangement (Trial 1). The diets were formulated to be iso-caloric with crude protein (CP) levels of 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15%. In Trial 2, the 15% CP diet was excluded. Intake of DM was highest on the highest CP diet and declined rapidly on the diets where the CP content was lower. Water was available ad lib. leading to an average daily water intake of 1.4 ± 0.4 litres in both trials. It was concluded that goats have the ability to select for a higher protein diet and can utilise less water than sheep.

Ses inheemse (Pedi) bokkapaters (ouderdom 18 maande) met 'n gemiddelde liggaamsmassa van 25.1 kg is vyf diete in 'n kafeteria-stelsel aangebied. 'n Mengsel van lusern (Medicago sativa) en tef (Eragrostis teff) is voorberei om isokalories te wees met ruproteieninhoude (RP) van 7, 9, 11, 13 en 15% (Proef 1). Die 15% RP-dieet is tydens die tweede proef weggelaat. Die DM-inname was die hoogste op die hoogste RP-dieet en het verminder met 'n daling in RP-inhoud. Water was ad lib. beskikbaar en het gelei tot 'n gemiddelde daaglikse waterinname van 1.4 ± 0.4 liter vir beide proewe. Die gevolgtrekking is dat die bokke die potensiaal besit om 'n hoer proteien dieet te kan selekteer en minder water as skape te gebruik.