Year: 2017 | Month: April | Volume 7 | Issue 2
Effect of Feed Restriction on Energy Metabolism and Methane Emission in Goats
Abstract:
This study examined the effect of feed restriction on methane emission and energy metabolism in goats. Fifteen female goats of about ~ 1 year old, avg. body weight (BW) 12.59±0.60 kg were randomly divided into three groups of 5 each in a completely randomized design and randomly allocated to Control, RF-I and RF-II treatments. The goats of control group were fed total mixed ration ad libitum as per the predicted requirement, while in group RF-I and RF-II goats were fed 12.5 and 25 percent restricted diets, respectively of predicted requirements for 90 days. The methane emission in experimental goats was measured using open circuit respiration calorimetry. Methane emission (Ld-1, Lkg-1 W 0.75) by goats was significantly (P<0.01) higher in control group followed by RF-I and RF-II, respectively. The methane emission (Lkg-1 DMI) did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among various treatment groups, however, methane emission (as percent (DOMI) was significantly (P<0.01) lower in RF-II as compared to control group. Losses of energy methane, faecal and urine energy (kcald-1) were significantly (P<0.01) higher in control group followed by RF-I and RF-II, respectively. Metabolizability was significantly (P<0.01) higher in RF-II group as compared to RF-I and control. The heat production (kcal d-1) was significantly (P<0.01) lower in goats fed 12.5 and 25 percent restricted diets as compared to ad libitum. It may be concluded that feed restriction considerably reduced methane emission and improved the energy utilization efficiency in goats.
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