Effects of Energy/Protein Levels on the Performance of Sudan Goat Ecotypes

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding varying energy/protein levels to different Sudan goat ecotypes (Nubian, Desert and Swiss Nubian). Nine male goat kids (2-3 months and average weight 9.23kg) of either ecotypes were used in a 3x3x3 arrangement, fed three experimental diets A (control), B and C, with varying energy: protein 1:0.14, 0.16 and 0.18 respectively. Results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) for average daily weight gain and daily feed intake due to effect of species. Effects of ration were significant (P < 0.05) for total weight gain, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (F.C.R) .there were no Ration species interaction for all traits studied. All kids’ types respond well to increasing energy protein levels. According to the results obtained animals fed with high energy / protein had better performance reflected on daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Therefore, high energy/protein levels are considered optimum levels of production. These results have practical implications in the nutrition of goats in tropical countries.