Author : Morais, Mario Jose

Summary : Eighteen male and female Philippine native goats, 6-8 months of age with an average body weight of 7.86 ± 1.28 kg. were assigned to three groups using a completely randomized design to evaluate the nutritive value of rain tree pods at 0%, 50% and 100% concentrate mixtures. Three rumen fistulated mature goats were used for in situ studies to determine rumen pH, volatile fatty acid, ammonia concentration, dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) digestibility. Results showed that the average daily feed intake of goats were lower for those fed 50% rain tree pods, while feed efficiency was lower in goats fed 100% rain tree pods. There were no differences for all treatments in terms of rumen pH before feeding, while rumen pH values taken after feeding were significantly higher in goats fed 0% rain tree pods. There were no significant differences in volatile fatty acids and ammonia concentration. DM digestibility in terms of readily soluble and potentially digestible fractions and degradation rate constant were not significantly different, but slowly soluble fraction was significantly different among treatments. On the other hand, significant differences were observed for CP digestibility in terms of readily and slowly soluble fractions but not significant for potentially digestible fraction and degradation rate constant. It could be concluded that rain tree pods can be used as source of nutrients for goats at 17.5% and 35% of the ration. This finding is supported by other studies indicating the potential of rain tree pods to replace commercial feeds as a protein source. However, more research is needed on the optimum quantities of rain tree pods to be included in the diets. A study among the farmers in the rural communities, particularly in Timos Leste can be conducted to determine the correct practice and acceptability of using rain tree pods as feed supplement for goats.