Indian Research on Protein and Energy Requirements of Goats

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Abstract
Two decades of Indian research on protein and energy requirements of goats were reviewed. Protein requirements for minimum maintenance derived from endogenous urinary and metabolic fecal nitrogen excretion in nitrogen-free and low-nitrogen metabolism studies were 1.23 to 1.61 g digestible crude protein (kg body weight).75. Based on balance studies at maintenance, requirements were 3.13 to 3.83 g digestible crude protein/(kg body weight).75. The coefficient to predict utilizable protein from body weight for goats was .89. From digestibility trials, protein requirements for growth and maintenance were 4.52 g and 5.55 g digestible crude protein/(kg body weight).75, respectively, for pregnancy and maintenance. Protein requirements for lactation were 4.95 digestible crude protein/(kg body weight).75 and for 1 kg 4% fat-corrected mild 46.56 g digestible crude protein. Energy requirements for maintenance were 125 to 163 kcal digestible energy/(kg body weight).75; for growth and maintenance 232.83 kcal; for pregnancy and maintenance 211.79 kcal; for pregnancy and maintenance 211.79 kcal; for lactation 198 kcal; and for 1 kg 4% fat-corrected milk 1520 kcal.