Evaluation of the effect of feeding Brachiaria humidicola supplemented with Azolla sp. on the growth performance of Saanen doeling (Capra aegagrus hircus)

Abstract

This study evaluates the effect of integrating Brachiaria humidicola and Azolla sp., a protein-rich water fern, on the growth performance of Saanen doelings. The study was conducted at Pasir Akar Farm, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia; the research involved nine 6-month-old Saanen doelings. They were divided into three feeding groups: Control (C) with 100% B. humidicola, Treatment 1 (T1) with 90% B. humidicola and 10% Azolla, and Treatment 2 (T2) with 80% B. humidicola and 20% Azolla. Each group had three replicates. Growth performance was assessed through body measurements (length, wither height, chest circumference), Body Condition Score (BCS), average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), using regular weight measurements and feed intake records. Data analysis via one-way ANOVA revealed that Treatment 2 achieved the highest growth performance, with a BCS of 3.87, surpassing T1 at 3.70 and C at 3.67. T2 also recorded the lowest average feed intake at 19.14 kg, compared to T1 at 21.40 kg and C at 23.50 kg, indicating the most efficient FCR. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in live weight were noted between T1 and T2 during weeks 3 to 5. Thus, an 80:20 ratio of B. humidicola to Azolla sp. enhances Saanen doelings’ growth performance.