Metabolisable energy required by feral goats for maintenance and the effects of cold climatic conditions on their heat production

C.W. Holmes, Y.F. Moore

Massey University, Palmerston North

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1981, 41: 163-166

The energy metabolism of 6 feral goats, aged 2 to 6 years, was measured at 15°C. They were fed lucerne hay at a level calculated to be close to maintenance.

The ratio of metabolisable energy (ME) to digestible energy in the diet was 0.82, and the ME required for maintenance was calculated to be 0.29 MJ ME/kg ^0.75/d.

Heat production was increased by exposure to an air temperature of 5°C both with a wind of 7km/h and without. Values for the lower critical temperatures of these goats, with coats 57 mm deep and fed at maintenance were calculated to be 9°C and 12°C without and with wind respectively, values which are similar to those predicted for sheep with fleeces 30mm deep.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 12-09-1998