|Utilization of forage and browse for meat goat production|
Partnership: Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA
AFSRC Contact: Dr. Kenneth E. Turner
Objective: The objective of this collaborative research is to determine post-weaning growth performance, feed efficiency, and carcass characteristics using forage-based rations for meat-type goats.
Approach: Feeding trials, both feedlot and metabolism studies, will be conducted using superior meat-type goats offered forage diets with tannin-containing legumes with and without energy supplements. Various grass-legume-energy supplement diets for finishing goats will be evaluated for impact on overall performance, nitrogen-use efficiency, carcass characteristics, and meat quality parameters. Information obtained will be used to extend the data base on nutrient-use efficiency when ruminant are offered various forages.