Effect of Gestational Supplementation of Phytogenic Feed Additive on Nutrient Utilization at Late Pregnancy and Performance of Goats

Chaurasia, S., Jadhav, S.E., Pattanaik, A.K. and Dutta, N. 2025. Effect of gestational supplementation of phytogenic feed additive on nutrient utilization at late pregnancy and performance of goats. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 297–311. The present study was carried out to assess the effect of supplementation with a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) throughout gestation on the performance of goats in late pregnancy and on colostrum yield and composition. The PFA formulation comprised Withania somnifera, Woodfordia fruitcosa, Solanum nigrum and Trigonella foenum-graceum. Adult goats (n=20) were divided into four equal groups. Goats in non-pregnant control (nCON) and pregnant control (CON) groups were fed a basal diet only; however, goats in two more pregnant groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with phytogenic feed additive at one (PFA1) and two (PFA2) per cent of the expected DMI daily during the whole gestation. The digestibility of nutrients at 120 days of pregnancy revealed a positive impact of PFA in terms of higher digestibility of NDF (P<0.035), DM (P=0.065) and EE (P=0.067). There was a beneficial effect of PFA supplementation on nitrogen and calcium retention of pregnant goats; however, retention of phosphorus was significantly higher in the PFA-supplemented groups compared to the pregnant control group. The yield of colostrum was significantly higher (P=0.017) in the PFA2 group than in the CON group, with intermediate values in the PFA1 group. The fat content as well as the yield of protein and fat in the colostrum were significantly (P<0.001) higher in the PFA-supplemented groups as compared to the CON group. It is concluded that the formulated PFA supplementation at 1 to 2 per cent of DMI improved the digestibility of NDF, increased retention of phosphorus, and influenced nitrogen and calcium retention in pregnant goats and had a positive impact on the colostrum yield and its composition.