Performance and Digestibility in Nubian Goats Fed Steam Treated Sorghum Stover

Abstract

The effects of steam under pressure treatment on sorghum stover (Tabat variety) Dry Matter Intake (DMI), water consumption, body weight changes and digestibility were studied in the Gezira, Sudan. Sorghum stover was steam treated at 4 kg/cm² for 15 min (ST₁S) or 30 min (ST₂S) or not treated (US) as the control and fed to twelve female Nubian goats (four foreach treatment). Dry matter intakes (g/d, g/kg LW and g/kgW^0.75) were decreased with steam treatment with no significant differences among treatments. It was (55.81, 54.00 and 54.01) g/kgW^0.75 for US, ST₁S and ST₂S, respectively. Weekly weight loss (kg) was decreased by steam treatments and was 0.097, 0.062 and 0.0 kg/week for US, ST₁S and ST₂S, respectively. Water intake (g/d) was increased by steam treatment at 15 min (3405) and decreased at 30 min treatment (2948). Steam treatments decreased sorghum stover apparent digestibilities, except for CF and EE at 30 min.