Evaluation of Mulberry Fodder (Morus alba) Based Total Mixed Ration in Growing Osmanabadi Goats

Rathod, S.B., Deshpande, K.Y., Sonawane, A.S., Shelke, P.R., Kharwadkar, M.D., Londhe, S.V., Shinde, A.T., Latpate, C.B. and Sonegaonkar, A.D. 2025. Evaluation of mulberry fodder (Morus alba) based total mixed ration in growing Osmanabadi goats. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technolog, 25: 313–329. An experiment was conducted on eighteen growing Osmanabadi goats (4-5 months) for 90 days to evaluate their growth performance influenced by the inclusion of mulberry fodder in the total mixed ration (TMR) at different levels. The control group (T0) was fed TMR containing Dharwad Hybrid Napier-6 (DHN-6), concentrate and sorghum straw; while T1 and T2 groups received TMRs (mulberry fodder, sorghum straw and concentrate mixture) in which mulberry fodder (Morus alba) was included at 20% and 30% respectively, on dry matter (DM) basis. The intake of DM and OM reduced significantly in T2. The total weight gain, average daily gain and nutrient digestibility was comparable. Goats in T1 and T0 had significantly better body condition scores. Haemoglobin (g/dl) reduced linearly from 0 to 60 days; however, improved at 90 days. The PCV (%) and CMI response were significantly higher in mulberry fodder groups. The albumin (g/dl) and A:G ratio was significantly higher in T2. However, globulin (g/dl) was significantly lower in T2. Albumin (g/dL) and A:G ratio were reduced significantly at days 60 and 90 compared to days 0 and 30. The blood urea nitrogen (mg/dL) and faecal egg count reduced linearly (P<0.05) with an increase in mulberry inclusion. The total cost of production was significantly higher in T0, followed by T1 and T2, respectively. It is concluded that mulberry fodder inclusion up to 20 parts (DM basis) in TMR of goats improved performance, blood parameters, immune response and reduced cost of production in growing Osmanabadi goats.