Effect of supplementation of herbal mixture on performance of growing goats

The study involved eighteen growing Osmanabadi kids, selected on the basis of age, weight and sex. The selected kids were assigned randomly into three experimental group’s viz. (control) T0, T1 and T2 of six kids each. The trial lasted for 11 weeks. Group T0 (control) received concentrate mixture as per prevailing practice of farm. Group T1 and T2 were fed with the same concentrate mixture as control group along with herbal mixture @ 2 and 4 g/day/animal, respectively. The herbal mixture consist of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatawari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Amla (Emblica officinalis) and Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) in equal proportion. The average body weights of growing goats from all the experimental groups were comparable. The average gain in weight of growing goats from groups T1 and T2 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the control group T0. The average DM, TDN and DCP intake of growing goats from groups T1 and T2 was significantly (P<0.01) higher than the control group T0. The efficiency of feed utilization in terms of DM, TDN and DCP required per kg gain in weight was comparable in all the experimental groups. The digestibility of all the nutrients was higher for treatment group T2 followed by groups T1 and T0. The average haemoglobin (g %) count of group T1 and T2 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than group T0. The average RBC count and PCV values were comparable among all the experimental groups. The average serum cholesterol and average serum LDL cholesterol values of control group were significantly (P<0.01) higher than groups T1 and T2, however, no significant effects were observed in average serum triglyceride values of growing goats from different experimental groups. The average serum HDL cholesterol values were significantly (P<0.01) higher for treatment groups as compared to the control. The cost (₹.) per kg live weight gain was comparatively lower in T1 (₹.97.24) group followed by T2 (₹.101.78) and T0 (₹.108.87). Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of herbal mixture @ 2g/day/animal is beneficial for improving performance of growing goats and such supplementation is also cost effective.