Exploring the possibilities of dried Gliricidia leaves as least cost protein supplement for goats

A study was conducted to explore the possibilities of Gliricidia dried leaves inclusion in the concentrate mixture for goats. For this, Gliricidia dried leaves were incorporated in the concentrate mixture for kids at 0, 20, 30 and 40 per cent levels. Twenty four weaned male kids were selected for this study and grouped randomly into four groups viz G-I, G-II,G-III and G-IV fed with the concentrate formulated with 0,20,30 and 40 percent of dried Gliricidia leaves incorporated. The trial feeds are iso-nitrogenic and iso-caloric to meet the daily requirement specified by BIS. This feeding trial was conducted for a period of three months. Daily dry matter intake and fortnightly body weight of goats were recorded. Gliricidia dried leaves contained 92.12, 17.95, 13.34, 3.03, and 12.30 per cent of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract and total ash content. The gross energy content of the Gliricidia leaf meal (GLM) was 3654 kcal/kg. There was no significant difference in dry matter intake, over all body weight gain and average daily gain. The cost per kg of feed was reduced on increasing the dried Gliricidia leaves from 0 to 40% level without affecting the normal growth performance.