Effects of Palm Kernel Cake Based Biosupplement Biscuits on Nutrient Utilization, Growth Performance, and Metabolic Responses in Male Ettawah Goats

Abstract

Palm Kernel Cake (PKC), a major by-product of the palm oil industry, has considerable potential as an alternative feed ingredient for ruminants because of its wide availability, moderate protein content, and economic value. However, its utilization is often constrained by high fiber and lignocellulosic components that may limit nutrient digestibility. This study evaluated the effects of PKC-based biosupplement biscuits as an innovative feed delivery system on nutrient intake, digestibility, growth performance, feed efficiency, and metabolic responses in growing male Ettawah goats. Twenty growing male Ettawah goats, with treatment-group mean initial body weights ranging from 15.45 to 16.32 kg, were assigned to a completely randomized design consisting of four dietary treatments with PKC-based biosupplement biscuit inclusion levels of 0%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. The feeding trial was conducted for 60 days following a 14-day adaptation period. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by orthogonal polynomial analysis. The results showed that increasing PKC inclusion significantly decreased dry matter intake (p<0.05), while crude protein, ether extract, and fiber intake increased. Dry matter and crude protein digestibility improved significantly (p<0.05), reflecting better nutrient digestibility. Average daily gain increased from 43.57 g/day in the control group to 51.96 g/day in goats receiving 40% PKC supplementation, accompanied by improved feed efficiency. Hematological and biochemical parameters remained within normal physiological ranges, suggesting no adverse effects on animal health. Increased concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, and globulin reflected improved metabolic responses. In conclusion, PKC-based biosupplement biscuits at inclusion levels of 30–40% significantly enhanced nutrient utilization, dry matter and crude protein digestibility, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and metabolic stability without adverse effects on animal health, demonstrating their potential as a sustainable feeding strategy for tropical goat production systems.