Effectiveness of second-grade Trigonella foenum-graecum seed supplementation on voluntary intake, nutrient utilization, and growth performance in Black Bengal goats.

BACKGROUND

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds contain bioactive compounds that may enhance nutrient utilization and growth in small ruminants. However, fenugreek is often expensive and may compete with human food requirements.

AIMS: This study evaluated the effect of second-grade fenugreek seed supplementation with concentrate ration on intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of Black Bengal goat kids.

METHODS

A total of 18 post-weaned Black Bengal female kids were selected and divided into three groups. The control group was fed a basal diet (a mixture of roughage and concentrate) without supplementation with fenugreek seed. The two treatment groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with fenugreek seeds at 2% and 4% of the dry matter of the concentrate mixture, respectively. Fenugreek seed samples were tested monthly to determine total phenolics, flavonoids, saponins, and alkaloids. The experiment was conducted for 120 days, followed by a 7-day digestibility trial.

RESULTS

The study revealed that total crude protein intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the treatment groups compared with the control group without affecting the dry matter intake. Fenugreek seed supplementation significantly (P<0.05) increased the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and total carbohydrate compared with the control group. The treatment groups had significant (P<0.01) increases in average daily gain and improved the feed conversion ratio, digestible crude protein, and total digestible nutrients intake significantly (P<0.01) compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Hence, supplementing second-grade fenugreek seeds at 2% and 4% of concentrate dry matter improves nutrient intake, digestibility, growth performance, and economic returns.