<b>Manioc silage associated with different energy sources in goat feeding: performance</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v31i2.5078

Abstract

The study evaluated daily weight gain, feed conversion, weight and hot and cold carcass yield in goats, fed with up to 54% of manioc silage associated with 46% of different energy sources: corn meal (T1) and cactus meal (T2) enriched with 1.1% of urea. Sixteen mixed-breed goats were used, whole, with an average weight of 24 kg and twelve months of age. The trial period lasted 63 days. To determine weight gain, the goats were weighed at the beginning and end of the experiment. To determine feed conversion, a relation was made between dry matter intake and weight gain. The average daily weight gain at the end of the trial was higher in T1 – 83 g day^-1; for T2, 47 g day^-1. Dry matter intake in g day^-1, % LW, g kg^-0,75 and feed conversion did not differ between the diets. There was a difference in weight and hot and cold carcass yield between the diets, with higher values for the diet composed of silage and corn meal. The manioc silage combined with the corn meal proved to be capable of providing nutrients in sufficient quantity to ensure average gains of up to 80 g day^-1