Effect of feeding Oak (Quercus leucotrichophora) leaves on growth and performance of goats in Kumaon hills

Abstract

Twenty four local male goats of about 6-7 months of age were randomly divided into three homogenous groups (T1, T2 and T3) of eight animals each. Further, each group was subdivided in to 2 sub groups of 4 animals each and one sub group in each group was treated with synthetic anthelmintic (Ivermectin @ 200µg/kg body wt.) (TA+). Experimental feeding was similar in the three groups except for the roughage source, which was local green grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) in T1A- and T1A+, oak leaves (Q. leucotricophora) in T2A- and T2A+ and oak leaves supplemented with PEG in group T3A- and T3A+, respectively. Concentrate and roughage ratio was maintained 30:70. A metabolic trial of six days duration was conducted at the end of 120 days growth trial. DM intake (g d-1) through roughage, total DM intake and organic matter intake in oak leaves fed groups (T2A-, T2A+, T3A- and T3A+) were higher (P<0.05) than the grass fed groups (T1A-, T1A+). N and Ca balance (g d-1) was higher (P<0.05) in oak leaves fed groups supplemented with or without PEG than grass fed control (T1A-). Average daily gain (ADG; g d-1) was lower (P<0.01) in grass fed control (T1A-) than oak leaves fed groups. The fecal egg count was lower (P<0.01) in animals fed oak leaves and anthelmintic treated groups. It was concluded that feeding of oak leaves improved the feed intake, nutrient utilization and growth performance in Haemonchus contortus infected goats.