# Effect of Berchemia discolor Leaf Meal (Muni Tree) on Feed Intake, Growth Performance and Digestibility of Non-Descript Goats

## TL;DR

This study shows that adding Berchemia discolor leaf meal to goat feed can improve growth and feed efficiency, especially at 0% or 30% inclusion, despite some reduction in nutrient digestibility.

## Contribution

The study introduces Berchemia discolor leaf meal as a viable feed supplement for improving goat productivity in resource-limited settings.

## Key findings

- Goats fed 0% or 30% Berchemia discolor leaf meal had higher average daily gain and better feed conversion.
- Higher inclusion levels of B. discolor reduced crude protein and increased fiber content in the diet.
- Despite reduced digestibility at 15% and 30% inclusion, B. discolor supported growth and improved feed efficiency.

## Abstract

Goat farming plays an important role in rural livelihoods, but seasonal feed shortages often limit productivity. This study evaluated the effect of Berchemia discolor leaf meal on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of South African non-descript goats. Sixteen yearling South African non-descript goats (averaging 12 months old, body weight 19.63 ± 1.68 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design and fed experimental diets containing 0%, 15%, 20% and 30% Berchemia discolor leaf meal, formulated on a dry matter basis for 42 days. Feed intake and body weight remained similar across all groups, but weight gain and feed conversion improved with supplementation. The diets influenced crude protein and fiber content, with crude protein decreasing slightly at higher inclusion levels due to tannin presence, while neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased with more leaf meal due to higher fiber content in B. discolor. Despite reduced digestibility at 15% and 30% inclusion levels, B. discolor leaf meal showed potential as a valuable feed supplement because it is rich in crude protein and supported growth when used at 0% or 30% inclusion levels, where feed efficiency was highest. It can help improve goat nutrition, especially during dry seasons when quality feed is scarce. These findings offer practical options for communal farmers to enhance goat productivity and food security using locally available resources.

Seasonal feed shortages often limit goat productivity in rural areas, creating a need for alternative, locally available feed resources. This study evaluated the effect of Berchemia discolor leaf meal on feed intake, digestibility and growth performance of South African non-descript goats. Sixteen yearling goats (average age 12 months, body weight 19.63 ± 1.68 kg) were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design and housed individually in metabolic cages. They were fed diets containing 0%, 15%, 20% and 30% B. discolor leaf meal, formulated on a dry matter basis for 42 days (14-day adaptation, 28-day measurement). B. discolor supplementation had no effect on weight and feed intake (p > 0.05). However, goats fed diets with 0% and 30% inclusion levels had a significantly higher average daily gain and more efficient feed conversion ratio compared to those fed 15% and 20% inclusion levels (p < 0.05). Daily dry matter intake did not differ (p > 0.05) among groups. However, B. discolor had lower (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents compared to the control (0% inclusion). Metabolic weight intakes were similar (p > 0.05) across treatments. B. discolor had no effect (p > 0.05) on dry matter digestibility, but CP and ADF digestibility were higher (p < 0.05) in goats fed 0% B. discolor than those in 15%, 20% or 30% inclusion groups. In conclusion, B. discolor inclusion improved growth performance and feed conversion efficiency in non-descript goats, though higher levels reduced nutrient digestibility. Inclusion up to 20% supported intake and growth, but the highest feed conversion ratio was observed at 0% and 30% inclusion.