Legume Addition to Grass Pastures Improved the Performance and Health Indicators of Kiko Does

Legume addition to grass pastures is expected to improve forage quality and enhance animal performance; however, such effects on goats are not well published. We hypothesized that legume inclusion in grass pastures would improve the performance and health indicators of grazing goats. The study objective was to evaluate the impact of legume addition to grass pastures on the performance and health indicators of goats. Nineteen yearling Kiko does were divided into legume-grass (Southern peas (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)-browntop millet (Urochloa ramosa L. Nguyen) (50:50)) and sole-grass (sole browntop millet) groups and rotationally grazed in their assigned plots for 87 days. Forage samples were collected and analyzed for productivity and quality (crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF)). Does’ performance data (live weight, body condition score (BCS), and FAMACHA score) were collected on Day 1, fortnightly, and at the end. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for biochemical and hematological parameters and fecal samples for nutrients (Days 1. 47, 87). Legume-grass pastures showed better quality than sole-grass pastures (p<0.05). Does grazing legume-grass pastures showed better performance (live wt. 5%, FAMACHA score 13%, BCS 4%) vs. sole-grass group (p<0.05). Legume-grass group had higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN/Creatinine ratio, and glucose on Days 47 and 87, and basophil on Day 47 vs. sole-grass group (p<0.05). On Day 47, fecal P was higher (p<0.05) in legume-grass vs. sole-grass group. Results showed that legumes enriched the pasture quality and eventually enhanced the performance and health indicators of grazing goats.