Effect of Berchemia discolor Leaf Meal (Muni Tree) on Feed Intake, Growth Performance and Digestibility of Non-Descript Goats

Seasonal feed shortages often limit goat productivity in rural areas, creating a need for alternative, locally available feed resources. This study evaluated the effect of <i>Berchemia discolor</i> leaf meal on feed intake, digestibility and growth performance of South African non-descript goats. Sixteen yearling goats (average age 12 months, body weight 19.63 ± 1.68 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design and housed individually in metabolic cages. They were fed diets containing 0%, 15%, 20% and 30% <i>B. discolor</i> leaf meal, formulated on a dry matter basis for 42 days (14-day adaptation, 28-day measurement). <i>B. discolor</i> supplementation had no effect on weight and feed intake (<i>p</i> > 0.05). However, goats fed diets with 0% and 30% inclusion levels had a significantly higher average daily gain and more efficient feed conversion ratio compared to those fed 15% and 20% inclusion levels (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Daily dry matter intake did not differ (<i>p</i> > 0.05) among groups. However, <i>B. discolor</i> had lower (<i>p</i> < 0.05) crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents compared to the control (0% inclusion). Metabolic weight intakes were similar (<i>p</i> > 0.05) across treatments. <i>B. discolor</i> had no effect (<i>p</i> > 0.05) on dry matter digestibility, but CP and ADF digestibility were higher (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in goats fed 0% <i>B. discolor</i> than those in 15%, 20% or 30% inclusion groups. In conclusion, <i>B. discolor</i> inclusion improved growth performance and feed conversion efficiency in non-descript goats, though higher levels reduced nutrient digestibility. Inclusion up to 20% supported intake and growth, but the highest feed conversion ratio was observed at 0% and 30% inclusion.