Tropical agroforestry providing physically effective fiber reduces concentrate use without impairing goat performance

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of supplements containing varying levels of physically effective fiber (peNDF) on the performance, carcass traits, tissue composition of commercial cuts, and physicochemical characteristics of meat from goats finished on tropical agroforestry enriched with Cenchrus ciliaris . Twenty-four F1 crossbred goats (Boer × Creole) with average initial weight: 19.5 ± 1.6 kg were assigned to a completely randomized design with four peNDF levels (19.9%, 23.2%, 26.7%, and 30% of dry matter) and six replicates. The supplement consisted of soybean meal, corn meal, wheat bran, mineral premix, and Sida cordifolia hay. Increasing peNDF levels led to a linear reduction ( p < 0.05) in total dry matter intake (DMI), and body weight, without affecting supplement DMI. Conversely, neutral and acid detergent fiber intake increased linearly ( p < 0.05) with higher peNDF levels. Crude protein intake and DM digestibility remained unaffected. Total gain and average daily gain declined linearly with increasing peNDF, although final body weight and feed efficiency were not influenced. Carcass weight variables showed no significant differences; however, hot and cold carcass yields decreased linearly ( p < 0.01) as peNDF increased. Only rumen yield was affected among visceral organs, increasing linearly ( p = 0.012). Of the commercial cuts, only the loin showed reduced weight with higher peNDF ( p = 0.018). Shoulder and leg yields (%carcass) increased linearly, while fat deposition in the shoulder, ribs, and loin declined. In conclusion, the optimal use of physically effective fiber (peNDF) from tropical forages enhances the utilization of Caatinga resources and can reduce the need for concentrated feeds. Moderate inclusion levels (≤ 23%) may support rumen development and maintain animal performance, whereas higher levels might impair finishing efficiency due to reduced energy availability and fat deposition.