Baba et al., 2000. Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci., 13 (Suppl.): 369-372

The effect of inclusion of browse material (tree leaves) on the lactation performance of Katjang-crossbred dairy goats was investigated. Goats were offered either a basal diet of napier grass ad libitum plus concentrate (NC) or the basal diet supplemented with tree leaves (Leucaena leucocephala, Artocarpus heterophyllus and Melastoma malabathricum (NCB)). Average DM and water intakes were 32 and 20% respectively higher in the browse supplemented group compared to the control group. Lactation duration was longer for browse supplemented goats (16 weeks) than for goats fed the basal diet alone (12 weeks). Goats in the browse supplemented group yielded more milk than those in the control group at both mid- and late-lactation. Average daily milk yield in both groups was highest in mid-lactation but decreased during late-lactation to a level below that seen in early-lactation. Milk fat and protein contents were higher in the browse supplemented group but the protein:fat ratio was not significantly different between groups. It is concluded that selected browse plants may be used effectively to increase and sustain the yield and quality of milk produced from goats fed with napier grass and palm-based concentrate.