EFFECT OF SOAKED AND BOILED CONCENTRATE FEEDING ON GROWTH, TVFA’S PRODUCTION AND BLOOD BIOCHEMISTRY OF STALL-FED BEETAL KIDS

Eighteen Beetal kids (male and female) of 5-6 months age and 9.96 ± 0.37 kg body weights were randomly assigned to three groups to assess the effect of different processing methods of concentrates on their performance under stall-fed production system.  Concentrate feeds were soaked in water (1:3 w/v) for 16 hours (Ts) and boiled/ cooked with hot water (1:3 w/v) for 15 minutes (Th) against the control group where mash feed was offered as such. Average daily gain (ADG) in weight was highest in Th (96.67 ± 6.91 g/day) followed by Ts (94.58 ± 15.84 g/day) over the control group (92.33 ± 7.52 g/day). However, the variations among the groups for ADG (g/day) were statistically non-significant. Average Dry Matter Intake (DMI) from concentrate, fodder and total feed was numerically similar in both Th and Ts groups, which was statistically higher than that of control group. Total Volatile Fatty Acids concentration was numerically higher in Ts followed by Th with respect to control group. Blood glucose (mg/dl), Total plasma protein (g/dl) and blood urea nitrogen (mg/dl) were within the normal physiological limits confirming that processing of feed has not resulted in any deleterious effect on health.  It may be concluded that the interventions in methods of feeding concentrates has improved the performance of Beetal kids under stall-fed production system.