Abstract :
Twelve Nubian male goat kids (25.2±1.02 kg BW and 6–8 months of age) were randomly
assigned to diets that contained about 49% bermudagrass hay (BGH) plus 0, 15.7, or 32.7%
whole cottonseed (EasiFlo® cottonseed; ECS), with the ECS replacing corn and soybean meal
in the concentrate portion of the diet. Over the 20-week feeding period, intake was monitored
and BW was recorded every 2 weeks. Blood samples were collected every 4 weeks
for analysis of gossypol concentration, erythrocyte fragility, and other blood constituents.
Reproductive performance was recorded every 4 weeks. Average daily gain and average
daily feed intake were higher for goats consuming 15.7% ECS (quadratic; P = 0.01 and 0.05,
respectively), with no treatment effect on gain efficiency. Dry matter, ether extract, and
fibrous and non-fiber carbohydrate intakes were higher for goats on the diet containing
15.7% ECS (quadratic; P < 0.05); however, crude protein intake increased linearly (P = 0.04)
as ECS increased in the diet. Blood hemoglobin and hematocrit were higher in goats on
15.7% ECS diet (quadratic; P < 0.05); however, white and red blood cells were unaffected.
Total plasma gossypol concentration increased with advancing time (P = 0.001 for period
effect) for goats consuming 15.7 and 32.7% ECS diets with no difference (P = 0.17) between
diets. However, erythrocyte fragility increased in quadratic fashion (P < 0.004). Scrotal circumference
and sperm gross motility decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing level of
ECS; however, sperm concentration was lower in goats consuming 15.7% ECS (quadratic;
P = 0.01). Serum metabolites such as albumin, glucose, bilirubin, or blood urea nitrogen
were unaffected (P > 0.05) by ECS levels in the diet; however, serum total protein and creatinine
levels increased linearly (P < 0.05). Serum alkaline phosphate and creatinine kinase
were higher in goats consuming 15.7% ECS diet (quadratic; P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively).
EasiFlo® cottonseed at 15.7% fed to goats improved intake and average daily gain; however,
it may have a negative impact on serum metabolites and reproductive performance of goats
when fed at higher levels.
