Effect of feeding irradiated soybean on nutrient intake, digestibility and N-balance in goats

Fifteen Barbari male kids of about 5–6 months of age were randomly distributed in three groups of five each. The animals were fed soybean seeds which were irradiated at 0, 10 and 20 kGy dose levels in group I, II and III, respectively, and the effects were studied on nutrient intake, digestibility and N-utilization. Berseem straw was used as a source of roughage. Experimental diets were fed to animals over a period of 30 days, thereafter a metabolic trial was conducted for a period of 8 days. Results indicated that intake and digestibility coefficients for various nutrients were not affected significantly due to feeding of irradiated soybean. N-balance data indicated that feeding of irradiated soybeans caused a significant reduction in N-excretion through urine whereas N-excretion via faeces remained unaffected. Overall N-retentionwas increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 36.7% in group I to 38.8 and 42.6% in groups II and III, respectively, due to treatment. It is concluded that irradiation of soybean at 20 kGy may enhance N-utilization in kids. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.