EFFECT OF peNDF AND FORAGE LEVEL ON DRY MATTER INTAKE, RUMINAL pH, PRODUCTION AND MILK COMPOSITION OF DAIRY GOATS

Abstract

Two experiments were carried out to determinate the effects of peNDF and forage level on DMI, ruminal pH and milk production and composition in goats. In experiment 1, 4 non lactating goats were used; and in experiment 2, 8 goats in early lactation were used, they were assigned to a 4x4 latin square with 2x2 factorial design. The experimental diets were offered ad libitum and consisted of forages with long (4.04 cm) and short (3.43 cm) particles sizes in a 60:40 or 35:65 forage:concentrate ratio. No differences were observed in dry matter intake in goats fed with long or short forages particle size (P>0.05). Ruminal pH were affected by F:C ratio, the lower pH was observed in goats fed 35:65. No effect was observed on milk production. Milk fat was affected only for the F:C ratio and was higher in the 60:40 diets. This study shows that the concentrate ratio in the diet is more important to affect ruminal pH and milk fat than the forage particle size.