Evaluation of leucaena hay as a low cost substitute for coconut oil meal for goats grazing under coconut
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Date
1998-11-07
Authors
Mahusoon, M. M.
Perera, A. N. F.
Perera, E. R. K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniy
Abstract
A diet consisting of Coconut oil meal (COM) and Leucaena hay (LH) in
different proportions were used as a supplementary feed for goats to evaluate the
intake, growth performance and economic feasibility under extensive grazing situations
of natural grass under coconut. The ratio of COM:LH in the supplementary diets were
100:00 (T1), 75:25 (T2), 50:50 (T3), 25:75 (T4) and 00:100 (T5). Cross bred goats
(BoerXKottukachchiya) were used as the test animals. Twenty goats (10 males and 10
females) were alloted per treatment by weight. All the goats received similar
management conditions and grazed together during the day. In the evening they were
separated by treatment and offered the respective supplement ad libitum.
Irrespective to the proportion of COM or LH, all supplementary diets improved
the feed intake and growth performances. At 50% LH level, the ration dry matter intake
was increased from 7.1 to 7.4 glkg BW075 and the average daily weight gain from 37.2
to 53.3 g/head. The highest benefit cost ratio was observed when 100% LH was
offered. However, all the supplementary diets exhibited a benefit cost ratio of> I.
These results suggest that LH at any level of substitution for COM is beneficial,
while 100% level of substitution resulted the lowest cost with all other benefits.
Description
Keywords
Coconut , Coconut Oil , Goats , Agriculture and animal sciences
Citation
Proceedings & Abstracts of the Annual Research Sessions November 07, 1998,University of Peradeniya,Peradeniya, Sri Lanka,pp.12