Effects of Faidherbia Albida Dry Pods Supplementation on Feed Intake, Digestibility, and Growth Performance of Boer x Gogo and Malya x Gogo Crossbreed Goats

A study evaluated the effect of F. albida dry pod supplementation as the main protein source on feed intake, digestibility, and growth performance of two goat crosses (Boer x Gogo and Malya x Gogo). Thirty six (36) goats aged 6-7 months with an average body weight of 11.02±1.59 kg, were randomly allocated to three dietary treatment groups (T1, T2 & T3) in a completely randomized design. Goats in T1 and T2 were fed Cenchrus ciliaris hay as a basal diet and supplemented with a formulated concentrate with F. albida dry pods or Sunflower seed cake as the main protein source, respectively, while goats in T3 were allowed to graze and browse in natural pastures without supplementation. The experiment lasted for 90 days. Results indicate that T2 had higher dry and organic matter digestibility than T1. T1 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher total feed intake, CP intake, ME intake, and FCR. T1 also led to higher FCR, final weight, total weight gain, and growth rate than T2. Malya x Gogo cross had significantly (P < 0.05) higher final weight and FCR than Boer x Gogo. However, there was no significant difference in growth rate or daily gain between crosses. Feeding T1&T2 resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) higher final weight, total weight gain, and growth rate than T3. The experimental goal was to address dry season feed shortages by exploring F. albida pods as a locally available and affordable protein supplement. It can be concluded that F. albida can be used as an alternative protein source in feeding goats as it is palatable, cheap, and readily available in semi-arid areas of Tanzania.