Effects of Roughage Feeding Strategies on Growth Performance Carcass Quality and Fatty Acid Composition in Meat Goats
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65411/rst.2026.267356Keywords:
Goat, Roughage, Growth Performance, Fatty AcidAbstract
This study aimed to compare the effects of three different roughage sources—Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala), Pakchong 1 Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum × Pennisetum americanum), and Pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha) in combination with concentrate supplementation on production performance, carcass quality, and fatty acid composition in meat goat. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) involving nine male goats (50% Thai Native × Boer crossbred), approximately four months old, with an average initial body weight of 17.94 ± 1.5 kg. The animals were randomly allocated into three treatment groups (n = 3 per group), each receiving one type of freshly cut roughage ad libitum (Leucaena, Pakchong 1 Napier grass or Pangola grass) and supplemented with a 14% crude protein concentrate at 1.5% of body weight. The results indicated that goats fed Leucaena leucocephala combined with concentrate exhibited the highest dry matter digestibility, body weight gain, and omega-3 fatty acid accumulation, indicating that Leucaena is the most effective roughage source under the present experimental conditions. Nevertheless, both Pakchong 1 Napier grass and Pangola grass proved to be suitable and sufficient alternatives for goat feeding, particularly in areas where these grasses are readily available. Additionally, these forages contributed to the accumulation of omega-6 (C18:2) fatty acids, which are known to help maintain normal cell function, support immune responses, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease when consumed in balanced proportions.
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