Effect of supplementation of Stylosanthes scabra raised in the hortipasture model on goats

Abstract

A study was undertaken to find out the effect of supplementation of Stylosanthes scabra in coconut based hortipasture model for goats. S. scabra, a leguminous green fodder cultivated in the understorey of coconut trees was used to feed the goats by cut and carry method. Fourteen Boer crossbred male goats raised under intensive method of rearing were divided into two groups viz., Group I (stall feeding with ad libitum tree fodder + concentrates) and Group II (stall feeding with ad libitum tree fodder + concentrates + S. scabra one kilogram/day/ head). There was no significant difference in weight gain between the treatment groups, however the average daily weight gain (g) of goats in the supplemented group was higher (34.7 vs 50.9).