Effect of supplementation of microencapsulated essential oils on performance of growing goats

Abstract

Eighteen Osmanabadi growing goats were randomly divided into three equal groups viz. T0 (Control), T1 and T2, having six growing goats in each. Group T0 was fed concentrate mixture routinely used on farm. Group T1 and T2 were fed same concentrate mixture plus supplemented with microencapsulated essential oils (EOM) @ 1 and 1.5 g/animal, respectively, for seven days with 23 days interval after every supplementation for entire experimental period of 90 days. Roughage feeding was same for all three experimental groups. The average body weights of goats and gain in weight of group T2 was significantly (P<0.01) higher followed by group T1 and T0. Average DMI of group T2 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than control, however, difference between group T2 and T1 was non significant. The average percent DMI and DMI per unit metabolic body size was comparable among all the groups. The average TDN and DCP intake was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group T2 than control. The efficiency of utilization in term of DM required (kg)/ (kg) gain in weight was significantly (P<0.05) better in group T2 than T0, however, difference between group T1 and T2 was non significant. The efficiency in terms TDN and DCP required (kg)/ kg gain was comparable among various experimental groups. The economics of supplementation of EOM indicated that cost per kg gain in weight was reduced by Rs. 5.21 and 2.02 in group T2 and T1, respectively, over control group.