Effect of amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus) seed powder on growth performance of Osmanabadi male kids

This study evaluated the effect of amaranth (Amaranthus hybridus) seed powder on growth performance of Osmanabadi male kids. Twenty 3-month-old Osmanabadi kids were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (N=5) in a randomized block design: T0 (basal diet only), T1 (basal diet + 10 g amaranth seed powder in concentrate), T2 (basal diet + 20 g amaranth seed powder in concentrate), and T3 (basal diet + 30 g amaranth seed powder in concentrate). The feeding trial lasted 90 days. Body weights were recorded weekly. At the end of the experiment, kids fed the highest level of amaranth (T3) showed significantly greater total weight gain and higher final body weight compared to contro. Statistical analysis (RBD, p<0.05) confirmed significant treatment effects. These results indicate that including up to 30g amaranth seed powder in the ration can enhance growth performance of Osmanabadi kids, likely due to improved protein and nutrient intake. However, our findings contrast with some previous reports (e.g. Leukebandara et al. 2019) and suggest that young growing kids may benefit more from amaranth supplementation. The study highlights amaranth seed powder as a promising feed supplement for meat goats, with implications for local feed resources and goat production.