Performance and External Body Measurements of Sudanese Desert Goat kids fed graded levels of Rhynchosia minima. (A).Performance and External Body Measurements of Sudanese Desert Goat kids fed graded levels of Rhynchosia minima. (A).

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding graded levels of Rhynchosia Minima (0%, 5%, 10%) on the performance and external body measurements of Sudanese desert goats. Twenty seven goat kids less than one year old and of initial body weight of (8.14 kg) were utilized. These kids were divided into three experimental groups of nine kids each. Three isocaloric (12.2 Mj/kg) and isonitrogenous diet (17%) containing graded levels of Rhynchosia minima was offered to the kids groups. Results revealed that addition of Rhynchosia minima to the ration significantly (p<0.05) increase the feed intake and the body weight gain. Also feed conversion efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by adding Rhynchosia minima to the ration. As far as external body measurements was concerned, back length and thigh circumference was significantly (p<0.01) increased by increase inclusion of Rhynchosia Minima in the ration while heart girth was significantly (p<0.05) increased by inclusion of the tested material.