Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition

Twenty adult non-lactating Beetal goats were divided into four groups of five each and fed ad lib. green ber (Ziziphus mauritiana aam.) leaves (T₁), its hay (T₂) and silage (T₃) prepared from mixture of green and dry fallen ber leaves while control group was fed berseem hay for 30 days followed by a metabolism trial of 7 days duration. Ensiling of ber leaves lowered the tannin content by 40.2 per cent. DM intake and its digestibility were significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats fed ber leaves silage and green ber leaves. Digestibility of other nutrients viz., CF, NDF, ADF and cellulose was also significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats fed green ber leaves. All the experimental animals maintained their body weights and were in positive balance of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus during the feeding experiment. Nitrogen and calcium retention were significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats fed green ber leaves and its silage, though phosphorus retention was significantly (P<0.05) higher in goats fed berseem hay. Total digestible nutrient content did not differ amongst various groups. The digestible crude protein content was lowest in ber leaves hay based diet. The results indicated that sole feeding of green ber leaves and hay or silage prepared from mixture of green and dry fallen ber leaves can maintain live weight in non-lactating goats.