Changes in Rumen Characteristics and Fecal Consistency of Crossbred Buck Kids Fed Goat, Cattle, Buffalo Milk, Milk Replacer, and Soybean-Goat Milk

Armando B. M. Afonso; Cesar C. Sevilla; Amado A. Angeles; Jose A. N. Bautista; Josefina T. Dizon

doi:10.55927/fjas.v5i9.127

Authors

Armando B. M. Afonso National University of Timor Lorosa’e, Dili
Cesar C. Sevilla University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna
Amado A. Angeles University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna
Jose A. N. Bautista University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna
Josefina T. Dizon University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/fjas.v5i9.127

Keywords:

Rumen Characteristics, Crossbred Buck Kids, Milk Replacer, Fecal Consistency, Milk Sources

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of different milk sources on rumen characteristics and fecal consistency of crossbred buck kids. Thirty newborn male crossbred kids were assigned to five treatments with six replicates: goat milk, cattle milk, buffalo milk, milk replacer, and 50% soybean milk + 50% goat milk. The experiment was conducted from March to October 2017. Growth performance, rumen development, papillary characteristics, histological changes, and fecal consistency were evaluated during pre- and post-weaning stages. Results showed that milk sources affected rumen papillary development and growth performance during the pre-weaning stage. Goat milk resulted in the highest feed intake and growth performance, while cattle milk and milk replacer were economical alternatives without negative effects on kid development.

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