Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing fresh pineapple byproducts (SDP) to lactating dairy goats, on feed intake, milk production and milk composition, under humid tropic conditions of Costa Rica. A complete randomized block design was used with 4 treatments which corresponded to levels of SDP supplementation: 0, 10, 20 and 30%. Sixteen goats with an average body weight of 47.1±6.2 kg were used. A daily record of feed offered and rejected was taken, and the nutritional content of the diets was analyzed. Additionally, daily milk production was recorded individually and the fat and protein content was analyzed. The diet with 0% SDP had the highest dry matter (DM) concentration (43.78%) (p<0.05) and no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed regarding Cudre Protein (CP), Non fibrpus carbohydrates (NFC), Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or Ash concentration for the different diets. Animals for the control group (0% SDP) consumed on average 5.42 kg of fresh material and intake for the other groups ranged from 3.81 and 4.81 kg. Animals in the control diet had the highest DMI (2.40 kg) and obtained the highest DMI (DM increment) (p<0.05) in relation to their body weight (4.58%). Significant differences were found (p<0.05) for CP, NFC, NDF, EE (etheric extract) and ashes intake, being that animals in the control diet consumed the greatest amount of nutrients (p<0.05). Daily milk production was significantly higher (p<0.05) for those goats fed with an inclusion of 10 and 30% SDP in the diet (1.26 and 1.22, respectively). No significant differences were found (p>0.05) for milk protein concentration; however, milk fat concentration in goats fed with 20% SDP was highest (4.73%) in comparison with animals in the other groups (p<0.05). Animals that consumed the diets with an inclusion of 10 and 30% SDP showed higher milk protein and fat (p<0.05).

Keywords: Capra hircus; Ananas comosus; intake; animal nutrition; milk