Replacement of concentrate mixture with Sesbania sesban hayin the feeding of lactating Egyptian Zaraibi goats

For a 90-day feeding trial, 45 Zaraibi does with an average body weight of 34.97 kg were divided into three similar groups (15 in each) and fed three rations composed of concentrate mixture (CM) and Sesbania Sesban hay (SH) as follows: 60% CM + 40% SH (G1), 40% CM + 60% SH (G2), and 30% CM + 70% SH (G3). In addition of this, three digestion trials were conducted using 12 male Zaraibi goats to evaluate the tested rations. SH has higher levels of CF, CP, and ash, but lower levels of OM, EE, and NFE than CM. Nutrient digestibility, feeding values, and CF content all decreased when SH levels were increased. The quantities of ammonia-N and total volatile fattyacids (VFAs) in ruminal fermentation were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the tested meals, although most blood parameters were not significantly affected. The percentages of fat, protein, solids not fat, total solids, and unsaturated fatty acid (USFA) level were higher in G2 and G3, while the concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA) tended to decline in G3 as compared to G1. Higher yields of actual milk and 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) were found in G2 and G3. Color, flavor, acidity, and pH of milk were rather similar, but there was a negative relationship between milk yield and somatic cell counts (SCC). High SH rations increased economic efficiency, although feeding high concentrates combination diets enhanced feed conversion. In conclusion, high concentrates improved digestion, feeding value, milk yield, and feed conversion, while high concentrations of Sesbania sesban hay improve milk composition and economic efficiency.