Effect of Potato (Solanum Tuberosum) Supplementation on Carcass Characteristics and Hematological Parameters in Non-Descriptive Male Goat Kids

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Department of Livestock Management, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. Twelve non-descriptive male goat kids, approximately six months old, were randomly divided into three groups (Groups A, B, and C) after an adoption period. Each group consisted of four animals and was subjected to stall feeding with different feeding management regimes: Group A received Total Mixed Ration (TMR) comprising green grass and concentrate, Group B received TMR with the addition of 5% potato, and Group C received TMR with 10% potato supplementation. All groups had ad libitum access to water. Prior to the commencement of the experimental phase, all kids underwent deworming and vaccination against parasites and diseases over a period of twelve days, during which they were acclimated to the experimental system and provided with clean water and feed. Additionally, each kid was tagged for identification purposes. Results indicates that significantly (p<0.05) maximum body weight and carcass weight were recorded in group C followed by group B and group A, respectively. The pH, WHC, cooking loss (%) and drip loss (%) of meat between group A, B and C was non-significant (p>0.05). Drip loss (%) of meat was slightly high in group B compared to group C and A. The moisture content (%) and carbohydrate content (%) of meat between group A, B and C was significant (p<0.05). Moisture content (%) and carbohydrate content (%) of meat was high in group C compared to group B and A. The protein and fat content (%) of meat within groups were non-significant (p>0.05). The difference in RBC, platelets and HCT count between all groups were non-significant (p>0.05) on day 0, 30, 60 and 90, respectively. The difference in hemoglobin level between all groups were significant (p<0.05) on day 30, 60 and 90, respectively.