Effectiveness of using amaranth hay meal in young Saanen goat diets

Abstract

The research findings on the body build features of young Saanen goats when amaranth hay meal is included in the feed concentrate at dosages of 5% and 10% are discussed. The experiment was conducted on the farm of the sole entrepreneur M.A. Dudina (Zudilovo, Altai Region) on 18 young goats of the age 3-5 months divided into three groups based on gender. The dynamics of linear measurements and body build indices were studied. It was found that the largest chest girth behind the shoulders at the end of the experiment was recorded in the male goats of the control group (68.0 ± 0.98 cm) which was by 3.0 cm greater than in Group 2 and by 5.0 cm than in Group 3. The largest chest width was recorded in the male young goats of the trial Group 2 (25.0 ± 0.83 cm) which was by 12% greater than in the control group. The maximum oblique body length and withers height were found in the goats of Group 3 (53.0 ± 0.58 cm and 62.0 ± 0.73 cm, respectively). The highest stretching index was observed in the male goats of Group 3 which was by 4.12% greater than in Group 2 and by 5.82% greater than in Group 1. The overgrowth index decreased with age in all groups except for the male goats in the control group (increase by 3.99%) which might be indicative of infantilism. The inclusion of 10% of amaranth hay meal had the most pronounced positive effect on bone development, linear growth in male goats, and chest width in female goats. However, the control group still had an advantage in terms of chest girth. The data obtained indicate the need for a differentiated approach to the dosing of the amaranth supplement depending on the sex of the young animals and the target parameters of their exterior. The results may be used in the development of diets for dairy goats.