Vol. 9, Issue 3, Part G (2024)

This study explored the impact of supplementing Chicory and yeast in varying proportions to the diets of weaned dairy goats primarily fed a Rhodes grass basal diet. The study was conducted at Egerton University's Tatton Agricultural Park (TAP), Njoro. The feeds were formulated into eight diets and offered to 24 crossbred (Saanen × Toggenburg) weaned dairy goats (14±0.5 Kg) using a CRD with a (4x2) factorial design. The diets were Rhodes grass hay and chicory supplementation at (T1:0, T2:10, T3:20, and T4:30%) as the main effects and yeast, with (+) and without yeast (-) as interaction levels. The findings suggest that including yeast and Chicory has a significant effect (p<0.05) on ADG and Voluntary feed intake. Average daily gain (ADG) was notably higher in supplemented goats, with the highest observed in diets containing 30% Chicory and yeast. The findings suggest a synergistic impact of Chicory and yeast on feed intake, and nutrient digestibility, contributing to improved growth performance in growing goats. Non-supplemented diet Rhodes grass (T1-) recorded a negative ADG at -7.14 g/day. Yeast addition to the basal diet (T1+) boosted the ADG to 28.21 g/day. However, there were variations in treatment T2+ and T3+, which were not significantly different. The addition of yeast at this level might not have influenced the weight gain. The study recommends the incorporation of Chicory at a 30% inclusion level and yeast supplements at 10 g/day in growing goat diets for optimal feed utilization and robust growth, offering a promising avenue for sustainable and efficient goat farming practices.