Evaluation of Moringa (Moringa olifera) and other tree leaves based complete pellet on growth, nutrient utilization and serum metabolites in growing Barbari goats

Moringa (Moringa olifera), subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) and mulberry (Morus alba) based complete pellets were formulated and comparatively evaluated in growing male Barbari goats (age 3-4 months with a mean body weight of 9.3 kg). Twelve goats were divided into three groups (Gr M, Gr S1 and Gr S2) of 4 each as per a completely randomized design. Gr M was fed with moringa based complete pellet while Gr S1 and S2 were fed with subabul and mulberry based complete pellet feed. Experimental feeding cum growth trial duration was 52 days. Weekly body weight changes and effect on serum attributes were recorded. A metabolic trial of six days duration was conducted after six weeks of experimental feeding to study different nutrients digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and balance. The daily live weight gain (g) was statistically similar in Gr M (48.07), Gr S1 (46.15) and Gr S2 (42.78). Daily dry matter intake (g) was statistically more in Gr M as compared to Gr S1 and Gr S2 in which it was statistically similar. The dry matter intake (% BW) was 5.46, 3.68 and 4.38 in Gr M, Gr S1, and Gr S2 respectively, showing better palatability of moringa based pellet feed. There was no significant difference in digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, total carbohydrate, and neutral detergent fibre between the three groups. Crude protein and acid detergent fibre digestibility was statistically higher in Moringa fed group (Gr M). Nitrogen balance (g/day) was statistically higher in Gr M and Gr S2 in comparison to Gr S1. Nitrogen absorbed (g/day) was significantly lower in Gr S1 (4.57) as compared to Gr M (10.13) and Gr S2 (8.17), which were statistically similar. The N balance (%) of N intake (g/day) and N absorbed (g/day) followed the same pattern. Total protein, globulin, and serum urea nitrogen were significantly higher in Gr S1 fed with Leucaena based complete pellet as compared to Gr M and Gr S2. From the present study it can be concluded that overall performance of growing goats is better on moringa and mulberry based complete pellet feeding than subabul based complete pellet feeding. However, intake and digestibility of nutrients were better with moringa based complete pellet as compared to Mulberry based complete pellets in goats.