EFFECT OF DENSIFIED COMPLETE FEED USING ASYSTASIA GANGETICA ON FEED INTAKE AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF GOAT

Formulation, Processing, and Performance Evaluation of Densified Complete Feed

Abstract

Densified complete feed (DCF) combining concentrates and roughages is a potential strategy to meet the nutritional requirements of goats. This study aimed to formulate DCF using Asystasia gangetica and evaluate its effects on feed intake and growth performance in Boer crossbred goats. The DCF was prepared through weighing, grinding, mixing, molding, and drying, producing cubes with an average body weight (BW) of 45.1 g, dimensions of 4 cm × 4 cm × 4 cm, and hardness of 1.93 kg/cm². Chemical analysis showed 91.7% dry matter, 18.7% crude protein, 7.3% ether extract, and 13.9% ash. Six female goats (16.6 kg BW) were assigned to control and treatment groups. The control group received a conventional concentrate diet with six hours of grazing, while the treatment group was fed DCF ad libitum for 14 days. Average daily feed intake was higher in the treatment group (672.4 g) than in the control group (217.2 g plus 6 hours of grazing). Although body weight gain did not differ significantly, goats fed DCF gained more weight (433.3 g) compared to the control (133.3 g) during the experimental period. These findings suggest that DCF can enhance feed intake and support growth in goats. Further studies with longer feeding periods and larger sample sizes are recommended to confirm these results.