Effects of Sweet Grass (Pennisetum Purpureum CV. Mahasarakham) in Concentrate Feed on Production Performance of Boer Crossbred Goat

Abstract

This experiment aimed to investigate the possibility of sweet grass (Pennisetum Purpureum CV. Mahasarakham) as the main source in concentrate diet on productive performance and economic value in male crossbred meat goat (Thai native x Boer). Nine male meat goats (3±1 months old) with an initial body weight of 19.00±1.00 kg. The experimental design was completely randomized design (CRD) which the goats were divided into 3 groups with 3 goats in each group. Group 1: goat received fed with commercial concentrate diet (protein not less than 14%), group 2: goat received fed with 10% sweet grass in concentrate diet and group 3: goat received fed with 15% sweet grass in concentrate diet. Each group were fed 2%BW of concentrate and Napier Pakchong 1 grass by an ad libitum for 90 days. The results showed that total dry matter intake, growth rate, final weight, feed conversion ratio, blood urea nitrogen and glucose concentration after the meal at 4^thhour were not significantly different (P>0.05). Feed cost and total cost of goat group 1 were higher than those of group 2 and 3. At the end of the experiment, group 2 were sold at higher price, resulting in higher net profits than group 1 and 3. Thus, use of 10% sweet grass in concentrate diet it can be used as raw material for meat goat feed that can reduce feed cost.