ChileanJAR

Acacia saligna (Labill.) H.L. Wendl. forage is an alternative feed supply for goats during dry periods It was used as feed duirng pregnancy and lactation to evaluate production response and some blood parameters. Six animals in each group were fed with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of acacia as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay replacement in a completely randomized design. Forage chemical analysis was done to calculate nutrient intake. Blood samples were analyzed for albumin, urea N, globulin, total protein, Ca, and P. Productive parameters were analyzed by ANOVA, Duncan, and regression analyses between acacia and dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), metabolizable energy (ME), and milk production. Acacia consumption during pregnancy was 65.5% of control, affected by the consumption of CP, ME intake and body condition (P < 0.01). Body weight showed no change and 25.9% was the inflection point of the response curve. Birth weight was different for 100% acacia in the diet (P < 0.05). In lactation DM, CP, and ME intake increased (P < 0.01). Body weight and body conditions decreased for groups with 50% and 25% acacia. Only urea N and albumin were affected by inclusion of acacia. Milk production decreased (P < 0.01) with over 50% acacia. Milk production was 160.2, 163.4, 128.2, 125.9, and 66.5 L for 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of acacia, respectively. Goat diets should not include more than 25% acacia forage during pregnancy and lactation.