Quality and intake of mulberry (Morus alba), ramie (Bohemeria nivea (L) Gaud) and black sorghum (Sorghum almum) fodder in goats.

Abstract

The experiment was carried

out in the Experimental Station Alfredo Volio Mata of the

University of Costa Rica. Mulberry, ramie and black sorghum

fodder intake was evaluated and compared in nine La-

Mancha goats with an average body weight of 38 (±1) kg,

distributed in a Latin square design 3 x 3 repeated. The experimental

treatments were: a) mulberry fodder, b) ramie fodder

and c) black sorghum fodder. Mulberry had 90 days, ramie

56 and black sorghum 70 days of re-growth. The forage

was given as chopped materials (stems and leaves). Samples

of offered and rejected material were gathered to analyze dry

matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber content.

Highly significant differences were observed (P≤0,01) for

fresh forage, dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent

fiber intake by goats. Dry matter intake for the different

treatments was within the range reported in the literature and

they were 1,94, 0,97 and 0,90% of body weight for the different

diets respectively. Crude protein intake with mulberry

and ramie was high enough to cover maintenance requirements

and they gave a surplus to obtain weight gains above

50 grams per day. Fresh forage, dry matter, crude protein and

neutral detergent fiber intake were higher for mulberry followed

by the ramie diet.