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This study aims to determine the impact of different GDF9 genotypes on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance in Kacang goats by examining various metabolic processes. Twenty-nine Kacang goats were genotyped using PCR-RFLP DNA at position g.3855A/C of the GDF9 gene in exon 2. A 2 x 2 factorial design with two factors, namely, diet type (diets 1 and 2) and genotype (homozygote AA and heterozygote AC), was adopted. Diet 1 group comprised 11 goats with the AA genotype and 4 goats with the AC genotype, and the diet 2 group consisted of 9 goats with the AA genotype and 5 goats with the AC genotype. Both diets had the same protein content (isoprotein) and consisted of free-choice Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Diet 1 had an additional 400 g of concentrate containing 11.25% crude protein (CP) and 55.86% total digestible nutrients (TDN). Diet 2 was a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 12.46% crude protein and 67.92% TDN. Results demonstrated a significant interaction (p<0.05) effect between diet and genotype on crude protein (CP) digestibility, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, fecal nitrogen (N feces), urinary nitrogen (N urine), nitrogen retention (%), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). However, no significant interaction effect was observed on the consumption of dry matter (DM), CP, crude fiber (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE), and NDF and the digestibility of DM, CF, and NFE. TMR resulted in a 9% higher consumption of NDF, higher nutrient digestibility, improved nitrogen balance, average daily gain (ADG), and elevated glucose levels compared with diet 1. Kacang goats with the AC genotype exhibited better CP digestibility and increased nitrogen intake than those with the AA genotype. In conclusion, the GDF9 genotype influences the nutrient digestibility in Kacang goats, and those with the AC genotype utilize feed nutrients more efficiently than those with the AA genotype. The AC genotype resulting from the GDF9 gene mutation at position g.3855A>C can be used for genomic marker selection of high-quality Kacang goats in nutrient digestibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mixed feed sorghum-Indigofera on Garut ewes reproductive performance stimulated with Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) hormone. Twenty-eight multiparous Garut ewes were grouped based on feed type (local forage (LF) vs. mixed feed sorghum-Indigofera (SI)), for a 30-day acclimatization period with a completely randomized design. Following acclimatization, all animals were synchronized with PGF2a (i.m.) twice, 11 days apart. Half the population of each group was stimulated with 500 IU PMSG after the second injection. Estrous characteristics were observed for seven days, followed by natural mating. Pregnancy status and the number of fetuses were detected 30 days after mating using ultrasound (USG), and reproductive efficiency was evaluated after parturition. Data during acclimatization were analyzed using a two-sample t-test, while the reproductive performances used a General Linear Model (GLM). Estrous characteristics showed no interaction (p>0.05) between feed types and PMSG stimulation. The onset of estrous in the SI treatment occurred 9.33 hours faster (p<0.05) than in the LF treatment. Meanwhile, the duration of estrous in the group stimulated with PMSG was 18.67 hours longer (p<0.05) than without PMSG. The vulva temperature at standing heat was 38.16±0.69 °C (p>0.05), with the pregnancy rate ranging 42.85%-100%. Interestingly, the SI group treated with or without PMSG had a larger litter size (1.43-4.50) compared to the LF group (1.25-1.33). It is concluded that feeding with SI had improved reproductive success, with the highest number of ewes giving birth. Additionally, the ewes fed SI with PMSG had the largest litter size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effect of a flushing diet containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from lemuru fish oil in ewe ration on colostrum quality and lamb performance. Twenty Garut ewes were divided into four treatments of flushing concentrate: control concentrate (P1), flushing concentrate containing 6% palm oil (P2), flushing concentrate containing 3% lemuru oil and 3% palm oil (P3), flushing concentrate containing 6% lemuru oil (P4). The animal consumed Napier grass and concentrate with a diet ratio of 30%:70% based on dry matter. The experimental ewes were fed flushing rations two weeks before and two weeks after mating continued with 2 weeks before and two weeks after lambing. The ewes and their lambs were put together until weaning time with around two months. The parameters observed in ewes were nutrient consumption and their colostrum qualities. Meanwhile, the lamb parameters measured were nutrient consumption, lamb blood metabolites at birth, and lamb performance. The experimental design used a randomized blocked design (RBD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan test was used to analyze data. The results showed that treatment did not significantly affect dry matter consumption in ewe and lamb, ewe's colostrum quality, and lamb's blood metabolites. However, the treatment significantly improved (p<0.05) average daily gain and weaning weights of lambs. In conclusion, the flushing ration did not affect the quality of colostrum produced. Feeding of experimental ewes 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after mating continued with 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after parturition with flushing rations of 6% lemuru oil containing EPA and DHA can produce twin lambs with good growth performances such as daily gain and weaning weight similar to the control, which has single litter size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]