International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 315-325 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 316 2 Nutritional Requirements of Goats 2.1 Energy and protein needs across different stages (kids, lactating does, mature goats) Goats have varying energy and protein requirements depending on their life stage. For instance, growing goat kids require adequate protein to support their rapid growth and development. A study on Anhui white goat kids demonstrated that a diet containing 13.4% crude protein (CP) was sufficient to improve nitrogen utilization without adversely affecting growth performance, suggesting that this level of protein is optimal for young goats. Lactating does, on the other hand, have increased energy and protein needs to support milk production. Research has shown that replacing a portion of the concentrate feed with Moringa oleifera silage and Chlorella vulgaris microalgae can enhance milk production and nutrient utilization in lactating goats, indicating the importance of high-quality protein sources during lactation (Kholif et al., 2022). Mature goats, particularly those in maintenance or non-reproductive phases, have lower energy and protein requirements compared to growing kids and lactating does. However, strategic nutrient supplementation, such as the inclusion of clay minerals like bentonite, can still positively impact nutrient digestibility and overall health (Helmy et al., 2022). 2.2 Role of essential vitamins and minerals Vitamins and minerals play crucial roles in the health and productivity of goats. Essential minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are vital for bone development, metabolic processes, and overall health. For instance, the inclusion of vitamin-mineral mixtures in feed blocks has been shown to support nutrient utilization and milk composition in goats (Molina-Alcaide et al., 2010). Vitamins, particularly vitamin A, are essential for vision, immune function, and reproduction. Supplementation with plant extracts and yeast cell wall components, which are rich in vitamins and minerals, has been found to enhance rumen development and overall health in young goats (Belanche et al., 2023). 2.3 Impact of nutritional deficiency on health and productivity Nutritional deficiencies can have severe impacts on the health and productivity of goats. For example, a deficiency in dietary protein can lead to reduced growth rates, poor feed efficiency, and increased nitrogen excretion, as observed in studies on low-protein diets in goat kids (Zhu et al., 2020). Similarly, deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals can lead to various health issues. For instance, inadequate mineral supplementation can result in poor bone development, metabolic disorders, and decreased reproductive performance. Research has shown that goats consuming low-quality forages with high fiber and low protein content benefit significantly from protein and mineral supplementation, which improves intake and performance (Kawas et al., 2010). 3 Feed Ingredients and Their Cost-Effectiveness 3.1 Common feed ingredients in goat diets (grains, forages, supplements) Goat diets typically include a variety of grains, forages, and supplements to meet their nutritional needs (Figure 1). Common grains used are corn, barley, and wheat, which provide essential carbohydrates and energy (Liu and He, 2024). Forages such as alfalfa hay are crucial for fiber intake and overall digestive health. Supplements, including soybean meal and vitamin-mineral mixtures, are often added to ensure goats receive adequate protein and micronutrients (Molina-Alcaide et al., 2010; Pentz and Jones, 2019). 3.2 Evaluating the cost and availability of feed ingredients The cost and availability of feed ingredients can vary significantly based on regional factors and market conditions. For instance, barley has been identified as a cost-effective grain that can replace more expensive grains like wheat and corn under certain price conditions, leading to potential cost savings in feed formulation (Alqaisi et al., 2019). Additionally, the use of local by-products such as olive and tomato silages can enhance farm profitability by reducing reliance on imported conventional ingredients (Arco-Pérez et al., 2017). The fluctuating
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==