Evaluation of Growth Performance of Weaner Dairy Goats Fed Basal Rhodes Grass (Choris Gayana) Hay Supplemented With Chicory (Cichorium Intybus) and Yeast (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

Abstract

Rhodes grass (Choris gayana) hay, in particular, is widely used by most dairy goat farmers in Kenya, even though it is known to be deficient in protein. However, little is known about the growth performance of dairy goats when fed basal Rhodes grass hay supplemented with Chicory (Cichorium intybus) and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of growing dairy goats fed on Rhodes grass hay supplemented with Chicory and yeast. The specific objectives were to determine the chemical composition of the experimental diets, voluntary feed intake, weight gain, and synergistic effects of supplemental diets. Eight experimental diets were allocated in a completely randomized design (CRD) with a (4x2) factorial arrangement and replicated three times. The basal diet was Rhodes grass hay and chicory supplementation at four levels (0, 10, 20, and 30%) as the main effects and with (+) or without yeast (-) yeast addition as interaction levels. The proximate analysis was done to determine the chemical composition of the ingredients. The in-vitro gas production method was done, and organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) was calculated. For voluntary feed intake and weight gain, the feeds were formulated into eight diets and offered to 24 weaned female dairy goats (14±0.5 Kg) using a CRD in a (4x2) factorial design. The diets were Rhodes grass hay and chicory supplementation at (T1:0, T2:10, T3:20, and T4:30%) as the main effects and yeast, with (+) or without yeast (-) as interaction levels. Data was collected for eight weeks following a 14-day- adaptation period. Feed offered and refused was measured daily and recorded while body weights were taken at the end of every week. To determine the synergistic effect of yeast and chicory-inulin and estimate GHGs on the animal gut, the rumen fluid was tested for pH, NH3-N, and VFAs at the end of the feeding experiment. Data were analyzed by a general linear model of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the statistical analysis system SAS, 2002 version 9.4. Results indicated that 30% of supplementation improved significantly (p<0.05) CP (196.0 gKg-1 DM) and Ash (109.2 gKg-1 DM) in the diets. It also significantly lowered the NDF, CF, and ADF. Results showed that 30% of supplementation positively and significantly influenced (p<0.05) voluntary feed intake (591.70 g/day) and ADG (.154.64.8 g/day). The findings suggest a synergistic impact of chicory and yeast on feed intake and nutrient digestibility, contributing to improved growth performance in growing goats. The study recommends the incorporation of chicory at a 30% inclusion level and yeast supplements at 10 g/day/goat in growing goat diets for optimal feed utilization and robust growth.