International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 315-325 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 315 Feature Review Open Access Optimizing Goat Feed Formulation to Reduce Costs and Improve Production Efficiency Guoxiang Li 1,2, Liuhui Li 1, Chengjie Zhang3 1 Jiande Lijia Dayuan Family Farm Co., Ltd., Jiande, Zhejiang, 311604, China 2 Zhejiang Agronomist College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 30021, China 3 Party Mass and Convenience Service Center in Meicheng Town, Jiande, Zhejiang, 311604, China Corresponding author: cheung2927@qq.com International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0028 Received: 08 Nov., 2024 Accepted: 10 Dec., 2024 Published: 20 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhang et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Li G.X., Li L.H., and Zhang C.J., 2024, Optimizing goat feed formulation to reduce costs and improve production efficiency, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(6): 315-325 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0028) Abstract This study evaluated the specific nutritional needs of goats at different stages of their life, including energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals. It emphasized the potential uses of by-products and alternative sources, explored sustainable feed practices, with a focus on locally sourced raw materials and reducing environmental impact, and used a commercial goat farm as a case study to implement and evaluate proposed strategies. The study emphasized the importance of integrating advanced feed formulation tools and sustainable practices in goat farming, and clarified that future research should explore the application of nutrigenomics, innovative feed additives, and artificial intelligence to further improve feed optimization and industry sustainability. This study aims to develop and evaluate optimized feed formulation strategies that balance nutritional adequacy and economic feasibility. Keywords Goat farming; Feed formulation; Cost-effectiveness; Precision nutrition; Alternative feed sources 1 Introduction Goat farming is a significant agricultural activity that contributes to the socio-economic development of many regions worldwide. It provides essential products such as milk, meat, and fiber, which are crucial for the livelihoods of many rural communities. In regions like Northern Mexico and Greece, goat farming is particularly vital due to its adaptability to arid and semi-arid conditions, making it a resilient agricultural practice in the face of climate change (Machado-Ramos et al., 2023). The economic importance of goat farming is underscored by its ability to utilize low productivity pastures and shrublands, thereby converting otherwise unproductive land into valuable agricultural output (Sintori et al., 2019). Despite its economic significance, goat farming faces several challenges that hinder its productivity and profitability. Key among these challenges is the high cost of feed, which constitutes a major portion of the production expenses. The quality and formulation of feed are critical factors that influence the productivity of goats, including their milk yield and reproductive performance (Moroz and Samorukov, 2020; Rodrigues et al., 2021). Inadequate or imbalanced nutrition can lead to suboptimal growth, poor health, and reduced reproductive efficiency. Moreover, the environmental impact of goat farming, particularly greenhouse gas emissions, is a growing concern that necessitates the adoption of sustainable feeding practices. Optimizing feed formulation not only aims to reduce costs but also to enhance production efficiency and sustainability by incorporating alternative feed sources and improving nutrient balance (Saputro et al., 2023). This study identified cost-effective and sustainable feed choices to improve the economic feasibility of goat farming by studying various feeding strategies and their impact on productivity. The use of alternative feed sources such as palm kernel cake and cow feed residue was evaluated, as well as their effects on growth, milk production, and reproductive performance. The potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through improved feed practices was analyzed, providing practical recommendations for goat farmers to explore and optimize goat feed formulations to reduce production costs and improve overall production efficiency.
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