Feeding performance and blood parameters of male goat kids fed EasiFlo ® cottonseed

• Published in: Small ruminant research 2009-02, Vol.81 (2), p.137-145
• Main Authors: Solaiman, S.G., Gurung, N.K., McCrary, Q., Goyal, H., McElhenney, W.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: EasiFlo ® cottonseed; Goats; Gossypol
• ISSN: 0921-4488; 1879-0941
• DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2008.12.013

Twelve Nubian male goat kids (25.2 ± 1.02 kg BW and 6–8 months of age) were randomly assigned to diets that contained about 49% bermudagrass hay (BGH) plus 0, 15.7, or 32.7% whole cottonseed (EasiFlo ® cottonseed; ECS), with the ECS replacing corn and soybean meal in the concentrate portion of the diet. Over the 20-week feeding period, intake was monitored and BW was recorded every 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected every 4 weeks for analysis of gossypol concentration, erythrocyte fragility, and other blood constituents. Reproductive performance was recorded every 4 weeks. Average daily gain and average daily feed intake were higher for goats consuming 15.7% ECS (quadratic; P = 0.01 and 0.05, respectively), with no treatment effect on gain efficiency. Dry matter, ether extract, and fibrous and non-fiber carbohydrate intakes were higher for goats on the diet containing 15.7% ECS (quadratic; P < 0.05); however, crude protein intake increased linearly ( P = 0.04) as ECS increased in the diet. Blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were higher in goats on 15.7% ECS diet (quadratic; P < 0.05); however, white and red blood cells were unaffected. Total plasma gossypol concentration increased with advancing time ( P = 0.001 for period effect) for goats consuming 15.7 and 32.7% ECS diets with no difference ( P = 0.17) between diets. However, erythrocyte fragility increased in quadratic fashion ( P < 0.004). Scrotal circumference and sperm gross motility decreased linearly ( P < 0.05) with increasing level of ECS; however, sperm concentration was lower in goats consuming 15.7% ECS (quadratic; P = 0.01). Serum metabolites such as albumin, glucose, bilirubin, or blood urea nitrogen were unaffected ( P > 0.05) by ECS levels in the diet; however, serum total protein and creatinine levels increased linearly ( P < 0.05). Serum alkaline phosphate and creatinine kinase were higher in goats consuming 15.7% ECS diet (quadratic; P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). EasiFlo ® cottonseed at 15.7% fed to goats improved intake and average daily gain; however, it may have a negative impact on serum metabolites and reproductive performance of goats when fed at higher levels.