Energy requirements for growth of pubertal female Saanen goats

Abstract

Previous research on energy requirements of female Saanen goats, using the factorial approach, has not considered the specific requirements for maintenance and growth during the pubertal phase. Thus, the purpose of this study was to estimate energy requirements for maintenance (Trial 1) and growth (Trial 2) of non‐pregnant and non‐lactating female Saanen goats at the pubertal phase from 30 to 45 kg. In Trial 1, the net energy requirements for maintenance (NE_m) were estimated using 18 female Saanen goats randomly assigned to three levels of intake: <i>ad libitum</i>, and 70% and 40% of <i>ad libitum</i> intake. These animals were pair‐fed in six slaughter groups, each consisting of one animal for each level of intake. In Trial 2, the net energy requirements for growth (NE_g) were estimated using 18 female Saanen goats, which were fed <i>ad libitum</i> and slaughtered at targeted BW of 30, 38 and 45 kg. The NE_m was 52 kcal/kg^0.75 of BW. The NE_g increased from 3.5 to 4.7 Mcal/kg of BW gain as BW increased from 30 to 45 kg. Our results suggest that the guidelines of the major feeding systems for the entire growth phase may not be adequate for females at pubertal phase.