Residual feed intake and its association with feed intake performance and nutrient utilization in barbari goats

Abstract

24 barbari goats of similar age group were taken from ILFC-II. Residual feed intake was computed for each Barbari goat kids and was assumed to represent the residuals from a multiple regression model regressing dry matter intake (DMI) on average daily gain (ADG) and metabolic body weight (MBW). 11 animals were found to have high or positive RFI while 13 animals were found to have low or negative RFI. Average RFI values in Low and High RFI experimental goat kids ranged from -0.029 to +0.028 kg/day. Mean daily DMI, fortnightly DMI and percent DMI (kg/100 kg BW) were observed significantly lower (Plt 0.001) and a very strong negative correlation (r = and#8722;0.878). Level of total protein (gm/dl), albumin (gm/dl), globulin (g/dl) and plasma BUN (gm/dl) were found similar in both groups of animals. A negative correlation (r= -0.165) between RFI and plasma creatinine levels was observed. A notable finding was observed with triiodothyronine (T3), a thyroid hormone critical for metabolism. T3 levels were significantly higher in low RFI animals (86.37 ± 1.04 µg/dl) compared to high RFI animals (81.55 ± 1.13 µg/dl), with a statistically significant difference (P = 0.005) and a moderate negative correlation (r = and#8722;0.479) reflecting more active metabolic regulation. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) levels were found identical in low and high RFI animals. Benefit of Rs. 1.66 per day observed in low RFI goats compared to high RFI goats. Whereas, the benefit of Rs. 40.68 observed per kg daily BW gain in low RFI goats compared to high RFI goats. In conclusion, low RFI animals were found to be more feed efficient due to improved digestibility, more time in feed ingestion process and metabolic activity which ultimately leaded to improved cost of production. newline