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ISSN : 2287-5824(Print)
ISSN : 2287-5832(Online)
Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science Vol.45 No.1 pp.40-50
DOI : https://doi.org/10.5333/KGFS.2025.45.1.40

Effects of Feeding Levels of Different Forages on Growth Performance and Structural Development in Female and Male Korean Native Goats

Byamungu Mayange Tomple, Eun-Do Lee, Dong-Kyo Kim, Bong-Hwan Choi, Ga-Eun Kim, Kwan-Woo Kim*
Animal Genetics Resources Research Center, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Hamyang 50000, Korea
* Corresponding author: Kim Kwan Woo, Animal Genetics Resources Research Center, National Institute of Animal Science, RDA, Hamyang 50000, Korea. Tel: +82-55-960-3590, E-mail: bgring@korea.kr
January 3, 2025 March 11, 2025 March 17, 2025

Abstract


This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on the growth performance and structural development of female and male growing goats. A 4×4 Latin square design was used, involving 8 goats with an average age of 3 months: 4 females and males with an initial body weight (BW) of 10.6 kg and 16.0 kg, respectively. Goats were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: T1 (1.5% BW barnyard millet), T2 (1.5% BW Bermuda hay), T3 (2.0% BW barnyard millet), and T4 (2.0% BW Bermuda hay) over a 22-week period. Results indicated that the highest final body weight (FBW) was significantly observed at the highest feeding level (T4), with females reaching 14.9 kg and males 20.9 kg, while the highest average daily gain (ADG) values were recorded for females in T3 at 75.7 g/d and males in T4 at 81.0 g/d (p<0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) was highest in the T4 group for both females (437.4 g/d) and males (635.9 g/d), with significant differences observed across treatments (p<0.05), whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed an improving trend, particularly with a value of 6.0 for females in T4. For structural development, the highest feeding levels led to significant increases in body length, body depth, chest width, and chest girth of both sex. Female and male in T4 achieved body lengths of 53.5 cm and 61.8 cm, and body depths of 45.2 cm and 54.8 cm, respectively. Chest width and girth reached 15.9 cm and 66.5 cm in males, and 13.5 cm and 56.5 cm in females. In conclusion, higher feeding levels, especially with Bermuda hay, may positively influence the growth performance and structural development of goats.


Feeding Levels , Barnyard Millet , Bermuda Hay , Performance , Structural Development , Korean Native Goats

초록

    Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION

    Forage quality is a critical factor in livestock nutrition, particularly for small ruminants such as goats. It directly influences feed digestibility, growth performance, and overall body measurements (Mudalal et al. 2016;Jin et al., 2021). Among the various forages available for Korean native goats, selecting the appropriate forage is essential for maximizing their growth potential and ensuring optimal feed conversion efficiency. Korean native goats have shown a preference for low-fiber, high-dry-matter digestibility roughages, which closely resemble their natural browsing habits (Gang et al., 2011). This preference highlights the importance of selecting forages that align with their physiological requirements, such as barnyard millet and Bermuda hay.

    Barnyard millet, recognized for its adaptability and nutritional profile, has garnered attention for its potential as a high-quality forage. Recent studies highlight its rich protein content and essential micronutrients, which are crucial for livestock health and growth (Prakash et al., 2016;Renganathan et al., 2020;Lim et al., 2021). Despite these nutritional benefits, barnyard millet’s efficacy in promoting growth, digestibility, and nutrient absorption in Korean native goats, particularly when compared to more established forages like Bermuda hay remains underexplored. Barnyard millet is highly digestible and serves as an excellent source of dietary fiber, which enhances nutrient utilization (Kaur and Sharma, 2020). Furthermore, barnyard millet exhibits a balanced nutritional composition suitable for ruminant diets. Its carbohydrate content ranges from 51.5 to 62.0 g/100 g (Saleh et al., 2013), while its crude fiber content (8.1–16.3%) is higher than that of most other cereals (Ugare et al., 2014). Additionally, its protein content (11.2–12.7%) is relatively high compared to major cereals and millets (Renganathan et al., 2020), contributing to improved protein intake in livestock. The high yield and good digestibility of barnyard millet further support its potential as a sustainable forage alternative (Prakash et al., 2016).

    Conversely, Bermuda hay is widely recognized for its superior digestibility and high fiber content, which support efficient rumen function, enhance nutrient absorption, and improve ruminant welfare (Horvath and Miller-Cushon, 2019). Studies have shown that Bermuda hay contributes to higher dry matter intake and average daily gain in livestock, making it an ideal forage choice (Stokes et al., 1988). Bermuda grass is also noted for its high dry matter yield, outperforming many other forage options (Park et al., 2015). The crude protein content and total digestible nutrients of Bermuda grass typically average 11.5% and 60.3%, respectively (Park et al., 2015). Additionally, its dry matter digestibility has been reported at 53% when fed alone, with crude protein levels of 103 g/kg, classifying it as a medium-quality forage (Leng, 1990). Further studies indicate that digestible organic matter levels for un-supplemented Bermuda grass range between 52.7% (Galloway et al., 1993) and 63.7% (Nieman et al., 2022), highlighting its variability in digestibility depending on forage maturity and management practices.

    Feeding levels also play a significant role in optimizing nutrient intake and utilization in livestock, as higher feed levels have been shown to enhance nutrient absorption and support improved growth outcomes, though they may also increase rearing costs (Kim et al., 2013). In goats, feeding levels impact growth and development, with responses varying according to body weight and specific physiological parameters (Huang et al., 2024). The feeding levels of barnyard millet and Bermuda hay must be carefully assessed to determine their effectiveness in supporting growth in Korean native goats. Differences in feed intake and utilization efficiency between males and females may also affect their growth outcomes. Males, due to their higher growth potential and nutrient demands, may respond differently to these forages than females, particularly at varying feeding levels (Lee et al., 2019). Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on the growth performance and structural development in both female and male Korean native goats. By comparing the two forage types and their feeding levels, this research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of their influence on growth metrics such as feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, and nutrient absorption.

    Ⅱ. MATERIALS AND METHODS

    1. Study location and ethical considerations

    This study was conducted at the Animal Genetic Resources Research Center of the National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration in Korea. All animal procedures adhered to the ethical standards set by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) with approval number 2023-597.

    2. Animals, experiment design and feeding management

    The experiment utilized eight Korean native goats (Jangsu) with an average age of 3 months, consisting of 4 females and 4 males with an average initial body weight of 10.6 and 16.0 kg, respectively, to evaluate the effects of different forage types and feeding levels on growth performance and nutrient digestibility. The Jangsu breed, a unique genetic resource in Korea and one of the few goat breeds officially registered under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2000). It was chosen not only for its genetic significance but also because it is the most commonly raised native goat strain in Korea, followed by the Dangjin and Tongyeong strains. Its wide distribution and adaptability make it a representative model for studying feeding strategies in Korean native goats. The animals were kept in individual iron-made pens measuring 1.2 m × 0.9 m (length × width). A 4 × 4 Latin square design was used, ensuring that each goat received all dietary treatments in a rotational sequence to minimize individual variations and enhance the reliability of the results. The two forage types tested were domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay, with feeding ratios calculated as a percentage of each goat’s body weight (BW) to maintain consistency in nutrient intake. The goats were assigned to 4 dietary treatments: T1 (1.5% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet), T2 (1.5% of BW as imported Bermuda hay), T3 (2.0% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet), and T4 (2.0% of BW as imported Bermuda hay). The concentrate was set at 1.5% of BW during the study. The ingredients and chemical composition of the experiment diets are shown in Table 1.

    3. Experiment period and diet adaptation

    The experiment was conducted over 22 weeks (approximately 5 months), from January 29 to July 2. A 7-day adaptation period preceded each phase of the treatment to allow the goats to adjust to the specific forage type and feeding level before data collection commenced. The goats were assigned to four dietary treatments: (T1, T2, T3, and T4). A 4×4 Latin square design was used to ensure that each goat received all dietary treatments. A 7-day adaptation period before each feeding phase was implemented to control carryover effects before data collection began. Each feeding phase lasted 1 month, ensuring sufficient exposure to dietary treatments for reliable measurements. Body weight was measured before starting a new diet, and growth performance and structural development parameters were evaluated during the adaptation period to monitor animal responses. Goats were individually fed at 09:00 and 16:00 h, with feed refusals measured daily to calculate daily dry matter intake. Clean and fresh water was provided ad libitum. During the adaptation period, body weight and other physiological parameters were monitored to confirm diet acceptance and physiological stability before starting formal measurements.

    4. Performance measurements and structural development

    To evaluate the overall growth performance and nutrient utilization efficiency of the goats, several parameters were recorded, including initial body weight (IBW), final body weight (FBW), total weight gain (TWG), dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The animals were weighed at the start of the experiment and subsequently on monthly basis, before morning feeding, using a digital weighing balance. Initial BW was documented at the start of each feeding period, and FBW was measured at the end to calculate weight gain over the period. Total weight gain was calculated by subtracting the IBW from the FBW at the end of each feeding period. Dry matter intake was recorded daily to track the amount of forage consumed by each goat, ensuring accurate monitoring of nutrient intake. Average daily gain was determined by dividing the TWG by the total number of days in the feeding period. Feed conversion ratio was calculated as the ratio of total feed intake to body weight gain, offering insight into the efficiency of feed conversion into body mass. In addition to these performance metrics, structural developments were measured to assess the goats’ physical development under each dietary treatment over a 22-week period. These measurements included body length, body depth, chest width, and chest girth. Body length was measured from the point of the shoulder to the base of the tail, while body depth was assessed at the deepest point of the torso. Chest width was determined by measuring the distance between the outermost points of the chest, and chest girth was measured as the circumference around the thoracic region, just behind the front legs.

    5. Chemical analysis

    For analysis of nutrients, the feed samples collected during the experiment were oven-dried at 65℃ for 48 h and ground to pass through a 0.9 mm screen before determining the chemical composition. Samples were analyzed in duplicate for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, and ether extract (EE) according to AOAC (2003). The organic matter (OM) was calculated by subtracting the ash content from the DM of samples. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) were determined based on the method described by Van Soest et al. (1991). The content of NFC was calculated using the following formula: NFC (g/kg) = 100 - (ash + CP + EE + NDF)

    6. Statistical analysis

    The statistical analysis was conducted using SAS (version 9.1, SAS institute, Cary, NY, USA) to evaluate the effects of different feeding levels, individual animal variability, and measurement periods on growth performance variables, specifically TWG, DMI, ADG, FCR and various structural development such as body length, depth, chest width, and girth for female and male separately. A two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure, with feeding level, individual animal, and measurement period included as fixed factors. When significant differences were detected among diet treatments, Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was applied as a post-hoc analysis to determine specific pairwise differences. Additionally, descriptive statistics, including mean values and standard errors, were calculated for each variable across treatment levels using the proc means procedure and the significance was established at 5% probability level (p<0.05) for all tests.

    Ⅲ. RESULTS

    1. Growth performance

    Table 2 illustrates the impact of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on various growth performance metrics, such as weight gain and feed efficiency, in female Korean native goats. The average IBW of female goats with an average age of 3 months was 10.6 kg. When examining the total weight gains, female goats in the domesticated barnyard millet groups (T1 and T3) exhibited the lowest total weight gain than those in the imported Bermuda hay groups (T2 and T4) (Fig 1).

    Similarly, the DMI followed an increasing trend from the domesticated barnyard millet (T1) to the imported Bermuda hay (T4), with the highest DMI recorded in T2, T3, and T4 (362.8, 332.5, and 437.4 g) and the lowest in T1 (289.2 g). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in DMI (p<0.05). Additionally, the ADG was significantly different across treatments, with the imported Bermuda hay (T4) group exhibiting the highest ADG of 75.8 g/d, followed by T1, T2, and T3 which were similar. However, this significant difference (p<0.05) highlights that both the forage type and feeding levels had a substantial impact on weight gain in female goats. Lastly, the FCR also varied, with the imported Bermuda hay (T4) demonstrating the most efficient feed utilization of 6.0, while the domesticated barnyard millet (T1) showed the least efficiency of 16.7 (p<0.05).

    On the other hand, Table 3 presents the impact of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on various growth performance metrics, such as weight gain and feed efficiency, in male Korean native goats. The average IBW of male goats with an average age of 3 months was 16.0 kg. When examining the total weight gains, the male goats fed with domesticated barnyard millet (T3) showed the highest total weight gains of 2.8 kg compared to other feeding levels (Fig 1). The dry matter intake also varied among treatments, with the highest intake recorded in the imported Bermuda hay (T4) group at 635.9 g, while the lowest intake was observed in the domesticated barnyard millet (T1) group at 419.3 g. The significant difference in DMI (p<0.05) indicates that the increment in feeding levels had a substantial effect on intake, supporting the observation that higher forage availability results in increased intake. Moreover, the ADG was higher in the domesticated barnyard millet (T3) group, reaching 81.0 g/d, followed by the imported Bermuda hay (T2) group at 53.6 g/d. These findings suggest that (T3) provided optimal conditions for weight gain at a higher feeding level, while (T2) showed considerable growth at a lower feeding level. The statistical significance (p<0.05) highlights the importance of feed quality and quantity in optimizing growth performance, as both forage type and feeding level significantly influenced daily weight gain. Finally, the FCR varied across treatments, with the domesticated barnyard millet (T3) and imported Bermuda hay (T2) groups showing the most efficient conversion rates at 6.2 and 10.1, respectively. In contrast, the domesticated barnyard millet (T1) and imported Bermuda hay (T4) groups had higher FCR values of 18.1 and 16.4, indicating lower efficiency.

    2. Structural development

    The structural growth indicators assessed include body length, body depth, chest width, and chest girth, providing a comprehensive understanding of the goats' development under various dietary conditions. Table 4 illustrates the impact of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on these structural growth indicators in female Korean native goats. Body length showed a positive trend across treatments (p<0.05), with the imported Bermuda hay (T4) exhibiting the longest length of 53.5 cm, while T1, T2, and T3 were similar. The body depth measurements showed significant variability among treatments (p<0.05), with the imported Bermuda hay groups (T2 and T4) recording the highest values of 45.0 and 45.2 cm, respectively, while the domesticated barnyard millet group (T1) had the lowest at 41.9 cm. Chest width also demonstrated a significant increase across treatments, with the imported Bermuda hay (T4) showing the widest measurement at 13.5 cm, and the domesticated barnyard millet (T1) showing the narrowest at 9.9 cm. The p-value further confirms these differences were statistically significant (p<0.05), indicating that forage type and feeding levels had a considerable effect on chest width development. Lastly, chest girth measurements varied significantly across treatment groups (p<0.05). The imported Bermuda hay (T2) group recorded the highest chest girth measurement at 58.0 cm, while the domesticated barnyard millet (T1) group displayed the smallest value at 50.0 cm. Chest girth measurements in the imported Bermuda hay groups showed a reduction from T2 to T4, indicating that increased levels did not always correlate with proportional gains.

    On the other hand, Table 5 presents the effects of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on the structural growth indicators in male Korean native goats. Body length showed an increasing trend across treatments, with the imported Bermuda hay (T4) group exhibiting the longest body length of 61.8 cm, followed by T3, T2, and T1. Statistical analysis revealed that these differences were significant (p<0.05), indicating that higher feeding levels, particularly with Bermuda hay, had a significant influence on body length. Similarly, body depth followed the same pattern, with the imported Bermuda hay (T4) group displaying highest value of 54.8 compared to other feeding levels (p<0.05). No significant difference was observed across T1, T2, and T3. Chest width measurements increased incrementally across treatments, with the imported Bermuda hay (T4) showing the highest value of 15.9 cm, while the domesticated barnyard millet (T1) had the lowest value of 12.9 cm. Finally, chest girth, an important indicator of thoracic development, was greatest in the imported Bermuda hay T2, T3, and T4 group, while the smallest girth was observed in the domesticated barnyard millet (T1) group at 57.3 cm. The statistical significance (p<0.05) suggests that increased feeding levels positively influenced chest girth, confirming that both forage quantity and quality contribute to the structural growth.

    Ⅳ. DISCUSSION

    1. Growth performance

    Tables 2 and 3 illustrate the growth performance metrics, including weight gain, DMI, and FCR in female and male Korean native goats, respectively. These tables show how varying feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay influence these parameters. The average IBW of female and male goats was 10.6 and 16.0 kg, respectively. The significant sexual size dimorphism, where males were heavier than females (Mandal et al., 2022), aligns with Irvin et al. (2023), who reported that male goats had both higher initial and final body weights than females. Total weight gains in female goats showed substantial variability based on forage type and feeding levels. Female goats fed domesticated barnyard millet in groups T1 and T3 achieved weight gains of 0.9 and 1.1 kg, respectively, while those fed imported Bermuda hay in groups T2 and T4 showed higher gains of 1.2 and 2.7 kg, respectively (Fig. 1). These results suggest that Bermuda hay, particularly at higher feeding levels (T4), was more effective in promoting weight gain compared to barnyard millet. This observation is supported by Rahman et al. (2015), who evaluated the effects of supplementing goats' diets with different forages. Their findings showed that higher-quality forage significantly enhanced weight gain and overall growth rates, highlighting the critical role of appropriate forage selection in optimizing feeding strategies for improved growth performance in goats. Male goats exhibited a similar pattern of variability, with domesticated barnyard millet in T1 and T3 resulting in gains of 1.4 and 2.8 kg, respectively, while imported Bermuda hay in T2 and T4 produced gains of 2.2 and 1.5 kg, respectively (Fig. 1). While the highest total weight gain was observed in T3 (barnyard millet), Bermuda hay provided a more consistent growth response, particularly at lower feeding levels (T2). Yadav et al. (2015) reported that feeding a mixture equivalent to 1.5% of BW improved growth performance in goats, demonstrating that appropriate feeding levels and forage types are crucial for optimizing growth performance. The ADG results in this study, with females fed Bermuda hay (T4) reaching 75.8 g/day and males on barnyard millet (T3) at 81.0 g/day, align with findings that underscore the impact of optimized feeding levels on growth performance. Liu et al. (2019) demonstrated that increased dietary levels significantly enhanced growth performance, weight gain, and feed efficiency in sheep, suggesting that higher feeding levels are similarly beneficial in Korean native goats. Jin et al. (2021) also observed that increasing the feed level could positively impact ADG in Korean native goats, especially during the fattening phase, providing a basis for establishing dietary standards in Korea. This is further supported by Lee et al. (2019), who found that feeding at 1.5% to 2.0% of body weight notably improved ADG in female Korean goats, emphasizing the importance of tailoring feeding strategies to optimize energy intake and growth in goats.

    The DMI trends were consistent with weight gain results, with the highest intake recorded in the imported Bermuda hay (T4) group in both females and males (437.4 and 635.9 g, respectively). The higher DMI in males is supported by Irvin et al. (2023), who observed that male goats consumed more DMI than females. The statistical significance in males (p<0.05) suggests a strong relationship between increased forage availability and intake. Zarazaga et al. (2021) reported that the nutrition is an important factor in the response to the male effect in goats, and its negative effect cannot be counterbalanced. Finally, the FCR results revealed differing efficiencies, with female goats demonstrating the best efficiency in the imported Bermuda hay (T4) group, while males showed similar efficiency in the domesticated barnyard millet (T3) group. These findings align with Nudda et al. (2020), who emphasized the importance of minimizing competition and tailoring feeding strategies to maximize growth efficiency in both sexes. The observed gender differences in growth performance likely stem from variations in metabolic rates, feeding behaviors, and nutrient demands. Males, generally exhibiting higher growth potential and more effective nutrient assimilation during growth phases, may have a physiological advantage under similar feeding conditions (Lee et al., 2019). Moreover, hormonal differences between males and females may affect feed conversion efficiency and overall growth rates, leading to performance disparities despite similar feeding regimes. The observed increase in DMI in T3 and T4 is consistent with previous findings that goats exhibit compensatory intake when offered higher forage levels after being fed a restricted diet (Patra et al., 2009;Kronqvist et al. 2021). However, the results also indicate that increasing forage levels beyond 2.0% of BW does not necessarily enhance feed efficiency due to potential limitations in digestibility and metabolic energy utilization (Liu et al., 2019;Aragona et al., 2021). Therefore, while the increase in feed intake in T3 and T4 may reflect an adaptive response to previous restricted feeding levels, the overall growth performance trends suggest that 1.5–2.0% BW remains a practical and effective forage provision range in Korean native goats. Finally, the differences in growth performance between males and females based on forage type in this study may be attributed to their distinct metabolic and physiological characteristics. Males, which exhibit higher muscle growth potential, likely benefited more from the digestible energy and protein content of barnyard millet, while females, with a more efficient fiber digestion system, responded better to the consistent energy supply from Bermuda hay. Additionally, hormonal influences and differences in feed intake behavior likely played a role in these growth variations, as supported by previous studies (Lee et al., 2019;Nudda et al., 2020).

    2. Structural development

    Tables 4 and 5 detail the effects of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on the structural growth indicators in female and male Korean native goats, highlighting patterns and potential gender-based differences. In both sexes, body length exhibited an upward trend across treatments, with the imported Bermuda hay (T4) showing the longest body lengths (53.5 cm in females and 61.8 cm in males). These findings suggest that higher feeding levels, especially with Bermuda hay, may positively influence body length development. The statistically significant differences observed in both females and males (p<0.05) indicate that dietary treatments significantly impacted this structural measure, supporting previous findings by Cai et al. (2021) showing that dietary treatments significantly influenced body measurements, including increased ADG and DMI, which could be linked to better structural growth like body length.

    Similarly, body depth showed the highest values in the imported Bermuda hay (T4) group in both females and males, demonstrating a consistent response to increased forage levels. The significance of these differences (p<0.05) suggests that dietary treatments affect body depth. This finding aligns with previous studies that suggest higher-quality forages, such as Bermuda hay, provide superior nutrient profiles, leading to improved behavioral development and performance in livestock (Horvath and Miller-Cushon, 2019). Nutrient-dense feeds promote better energy and protein intake (Lee et al., 2019), which are critical for growth in key skeletal dimensions like body depth. Mandal et al. (2022) and Mudalal et al. (2016) also reported that enhanced forage quality positively influences growth metrics such as body depth, highlighting the role of dietary composition in achieving optimal structural development in goats. Chest width also increased with higher feeding levels, with the highest measurements recorded in the imported Bermuda hay (T4) group in both sexes (13.5 cm in females and 15.9 cm in males). The statistically significant differences (p<0.05) indicate that dietary interventions influence chest width development. Another relevant study by Wang et al. (2019) discusses how dietary structure affects rumen development and overall growth in small ruminants, suggesting that nutrition plays a crucial role in structural development, similar to this findings on the influence of diet on the growth development in goats.

    Finally, the significant differences in chest girth observed between male and female goats in this study, where males in the imported Bermuda hay (T4) (65.5 cm) and (T2) (66.5 cm) had larger chest girth measurements than females in T2 (58.0 cm) highlight the influence of diet on structural growth. These statistically significant results (p<0.05) affirm that diet plays a critical role in shaping physical development, aligning with findings from Mudalal et al. (2016), who showed that enhanced nutrition significantly impacts body measurements in male goats, underscoring nutrient availability as a fundamental factor in growth. However, a notable finding was the decline in chest girth in female goats fed Bermuda hay from T2 to T4 (58.0 cm to 56.5 cm), a trend that deviates from Isnaini et al. (2022), who reported that nutritional improvements generally support greater body growth, including chest girth, in females. This variation suggests that feeding strategies may need to consider gender-specific responses, as different forage types and levels can influence body metrics in ways that are not uniformly linear across sexes. Therefore, targeted forage choices and supplementation strategies may be essential for optimizing structural growth parameters like chest girth in both female and male goats.

    Ⅴ. CONCLUSIONS

    This study highlights the importance of tailored feeding strategies that account for gender-specific growth responses to maximize growth performance and structural development in Korean native goats. Higher feeding levels, especially with Bermuda hay at T4, significantly increased ADG in both sexes. Male goats demonstrated greater consistency in ADG and overall structural responses, possibly due to physiological factors that favor growth, while females exhibited more variable results. FCR trends suggest that increased feeding levels may enhance nutrient utilization, though variability among females was observed. In terms of structural development, higher feeding levels, especially with imported Bermuda hay (T4), led to the most pronounced increases in body length, body depth, chest width, and chest girth in both sexes except for the chest girth measurement of female goats. In summary, higher feeding levels, particularly with Bermuda hay, positively influence growth outcomes, supporting the need for optimized feed strategies in goat production systems.

    Ⅵ. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    This study was supported by the 2025 RDA Fellowship Program (Project No. PJ01739504) of National Institute of Animal Science, Rural Development Administration, Republic of Korea.

    Figure

    KGFS-45-1-40_F1.gif

    Effect of different feeding levels on the total weight gain in female and male goats.

    Table

    Ingredients and chemical composition of the diet used in the experiment

    *NFC, non-fibre carbohydrates. *NFC (g/kg) = 100 - (ash + CP + EE + NDF).

    Effects of different feeding levels on growth performance in female Korean native goats

    SEM, standard error of the means (n = 4 female); T1, 1.5% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet; T2, 1.5% of BW as imported Bermuda hay; T3, 2.0% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet; and T4, 2.0% of BW as imported Bermuda hay; A, feeding levels of 1.5% of both forages; B, feeding levels of 2.0% of both forages; IBW, initial body weight; FBW, final body weight; TWG, total weight gain; DMI, dry matter intake, ADG, average daily gain; FCR, feed conversion ratio.
    ab Values with different superscripts in row are significantly different (p<0.05).

    Effects of different feeding levels on growth performance in male Korean native goats

    SEM, standard error of the means (n = 4 female); T1, 1.5% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet; T2, 1.5% of BW as imported Bermuda hay; T3, 2.0% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet; and T4, 2.0% of BW as imported Bermuda hay; A, feeding levels of 1.5% of both forages; B, feeding levels of 2.0% of both forages; IBW, initial body weight; FBW, final body weight; TWG, total weight gain; DMI, dry matter intake, ADG, average daily gain; FCR, feed conversion ratio.
    abc Values with different superscripts in row are significantly different (p<0.05).

    Effects of different feeding levels on the body measurement of female Korean native goats

    SEM, standard error of the means (n = 4 female); T1, 1.5% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet; T2, 1.5% of BW as imported Bermuda hay; T3, 2.0% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet; and T4, 2.0% of BW as imported Bermuda hay; A, feeding levels of 1.5% of both forages; B, feeding levels of 2.0% of both forages.
    abc Values with different superscripts in row are significantly different (p<0.05).

    Effects of different feeding levels on the body measurement of male Korean native goats

    SEM, standard error of the means (n = 4 female); T1, 1.5% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet; T2, 1.5% of BW as imported Bermuda hay; T3, 2.0% of BW as domesticated barnyard millet; and T4, 2.0% of BW as imported Bermuda hay; A, feeding levels of 1.5% of both forages; B, feeding levels of 2.0% of both forages.
    abc Values with different superscripts in row are significantly different (p<0.05).

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