UREA MOLASSES BLOCK AS A FEED SUPPLEMENT OF BLACK BENGAL GOAT TO IMPROVE CARCASS WEIGHT

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop a feeding system using Urea Molasses Block (UMB) for weaned castrated goats under traditional grazing condition. UMB may be used as a catalytic feeding for improving growth performance of the indigenous goats. Twelve goats aged six months in each were randomly allocated into four treatment groups. Goats (Control group, To) were in only grazing and three treated groups were fed 200 g (T)), 300 g (T2) and 400 g/head/d (T;) UMB with traditional grazing. Socio-economic parameters, participation of family members and daily routine activities of farmers were also observed. Live weight changes of goats were measured weekly. Average initial and final live weight of different treatment groups 1.e. To, T;, T2 and T; were 10.30 vs 15.40, 9.20 vs 15.17, 10.20 vs 13.70 and 9.77 vs 14.03 kg respectively during 105 days of feeding trial. The average live weight gain for treatment To, T;, T2 and T3; was 48.33, 56.33, 33.33 and 40.67 g/d, the carcass weight was 6.93, 6.42, 5.53 and 5.78 kg and the dressing percentage was 45.10, 42.21, 40.40 and 41.19 for the aforesaid treatments respectively. The eye muscle area of four treatment groups were 15.71, 16.34, 12.48 and 15.03) cm’ (P<0.05). Among the by-products weight of head, liver, kidney, spleen, lung plus trachea and weight of blood differs significantly of the four treatment groups. Cost benefit ratio estimated was 1: 2.23, 1: 1.53, 1: 1.20 and 1: 1.10. Live weight gain, dressing percentage and cost benefit ratio of the aforesaid treatment groups were higher for control (To) than others but among the treated groups T (1), T, and T3), was higher than T, and T3, So further research will necessary by reducing the level of UMB to find the optimum level of weight gain and profitability of Black Bengal goats.