Vol. 10, Issue 8, Part A (2025)

Author(s): Vaishnavi G Ladke, VG Atkare and DT Undratwad

Abstract: The present study evaluated the effects of partial feeding of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) tree leaves on the growth performance of Osmanabadi male goat kids. The trial was conducted on six Osmanabadi kids (3-4 months old) divided into three groups with similar initial body weights. The treatments included: T₁ (100% concentrate), T₂ (50% concentrate + 50% Moringa leaves), and T₃ (100% Moringa leaves), along with gram straw fed ad-libitum. A switch-over design was implemented across three experimental periods. Growth was assessed by weekly body weight and periodic biometric measurements. The mean daily body weight gain was 0.050, 0.060, and 0.061 kg for T₁, T₂, and T₃, respectively. Although differences were statistically non-significant (p<0.05), T₃ exhibited a marginally higher gain. Weekly weight gain averaged 0.33, 0.38, and 0.39 kg in T₁, T₂, and T₃, respectively, showing significant variation (p<0.05). Morphometric traits such as body height, length, and chest girth were positively influenced by Moringa inclusion. These findings suggest that Moringa oleifera leaves can serve as an effective alternative feed resource to improve growth performance in Osmanabadi goat kids.