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Nutritive value of rain tree [Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.] pods for Philippine native goats (Capra hircus Linn.)
Thesis Abstract:
Eighteen male and female Philippine native goats, six to eight months of age with an average body weight of 7.86 ± 1.28 kg, were assigned to three groups using a completely randomized design to evaluate the nutritive value of rain tree pods at 0, 50, and 100 percent concentrate mixtures. Three rumen fistulated mature goats were used for in situ studies to determine rumen pH, volatile fatty acid, ammonia concentration, dry matter, and crude protein digestibility. Results showed that the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of goats were lower for those fed 50 percent rain tree pods, while feed efficiency was lower in goats fed 100 percent rain tree pods. There were no differences for all treatments in terms of rumen pH before feeding, while rumen pH values taken after feeding were significantly higher in goats fed 0 percent rain tree pods. There were no significant differences in volatile fatty acid and ammonia concentration. Dry matter digestibility in terms of readily soluble and potentially digestible fractions and degradation rate constant were not significantly different, but slowly soluble fraction was significantly different among treatments. On the other hand, significant differences were observed for crude protein digestibility in terms of readily and slowly soluble fractions but not significant for potentially digestible fraction and degradation rate constant. It could be concluded that rain tree pods can be used as source of nutrients for goats at 17.5 and 35 percent of the ration. This finding is supported by other studies indicating the potential of rain tree pods to replace commercial feeds as a protein source. However, more research is needed on the optimum quantities of rain tree pods to be included in the diets.
A study among the farmers in the rural communities, particularly in Timor-Leste can be conducted to determine the current practice and acceptability of using rain tree pods as feed supplement for goats.