Abstract:
In search of a valuable supplement for Guinea (Panicum maximum), having low feeding
value, the browse species Glyricidia sepium is considered the promising source of good
quality protein. Concentrates are usually of high quality but their high cost reduces the
margin of profitability in goat production. Based on the economical importance of goat and
the value of the forages to achieve maximum profit from the goats, an attempt was made to
assess the feeding values of Glyricidia, Guinea and the combination of both in the feeding
management of goat. For this study five local male goats arranged in Latin Square design
were fed with different proportions of Guinea: Glyricidia. The proportions of Guinea:
Glyricidia were 0:100,25:75,50:50,75:25 and 100:0. This study was carried out in the
Livestock farm of Eastern University, Sri Lanka from March to August 2000. Animals were
fed adlibitum with different proportions of Guinea and Glyricidia. Feed offered and refusals
were estimated and composite samples were analyzed by standard proximate analysis. The
collected data were subjected to standard statistical analysis. The total dry matter intake did
not vary significantly among different proportions of Glyricidia supplementation but in the
treatment of 100% Glyricidia the feed intake was found to be significantly low (P<0.05). The
highest total digestibility was recorded for 100% Guinea (p<0.005) while the lowest was
observed for 100% Glyricidia (P<0.05). Digestibility of Crude protein was the highest in the
75% Glyricidia and 25% Guniea combination (0.94±0.001). It may be due to the high content
of Crude protein in the combination. However, weight gain did not show any significant
different among the treatments within the study period. Soley fed Guinea showed the best
total dry matter digestibility. Results of Mid Rank Techniques indicated that the best
combination to optimize over-all digestibility was 75% of Glyricidia and 25% of guinea.
Thus, it is apparent that Glyricidia would be a valuable supplement to add the feeding value
to poor quality tropical grass, Guinea in the study.
