title: Reproductive performance of South African indigenous goats inoculated with DHP-degrading rumen bacteria and maintained on Leucaena leucocephala/grass mixture and natural pasture.
abstract: This study examined the reproductive performance of dihydroxy pyridone (DHP)-inoculated South African indigenous (SAIG) female goats maintained on two dietary treatments: (i) Leucaena leucocephala/grass mixture and (ii) natural pasture prior to conception, and during gestation. Leucaena leucocephala/grass mixture was nutritionally superior (crude protein and mineral elements) than the natural pasture. The average daily gain, products of pregnancy and foetal development in gravid goats raised on leucaena/grass mixture were significantly (P<0.03, P<0.009 and P<0.005, respectively) higher than those raised on natural pasture. Conception rate of goats fed natural pasture was higher than the band fed Leucaena leucocephala/grass mixture. Leucaena/grass mixture fed goats had kids that were heavier at birth than their counterparts on natural pasture. Pre-weaning kid mortality over the period of study was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the Leucaena leucocephala/grass mixture treatment. Colostrum from kidded goats fed leucaena was viscous and difficult to sample. The absence of mimosine toxicity symptoms suggests a possibility of safe use of leucaena as a feed resource to DHP-inoculated SAIG.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
authors.forename: A A.
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Akingbade
authors.forename: I V.
authors.lastname: Nsahlai
authors.forename: M L.K.
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Bonsi
authors.forename: C D.
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: L P.
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: du Toit