Acacia saligna
(Labill.) H.L. Wendl. forage is an alternative feed supply for goats during dry periods It was used as feed
during pregnancy and lactation to evaluate production response and some blood parameters. Six animals in each group were
fed with 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of acacia as alfalfa (
Medicago sativa
L.) hay replacement in a completely randomized
design. Forage chemical analysis was done to calculate nutrient intake. Blood samples were analyzed for albumin, urea
N, globulin, total protein, Ca, and P. Productive parameters were analyzed by ANOVA, Duncan, and regression analyses
between acacia and dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), metabolizable energy (ME), and milk production. Acacia
consumption during pregnancy was 65.5% of control, affected by the consumption of CP, ME intake and body condition
(P < 0.01). Body weight showed no change and 25.9% was the inflection point of the response curve. Birth weight was
different for 100% acacia in the diet (P < 0.05). In lactation DM, CP, and ME intake increased (P < 0.01). Body weight and
body conditions decreased for groups with 50% and 25% acacia. Only urea N and albumin were affected by inclusion of
acacia. Milk production decreased (P < 0.01) with over 50% acacia. Milk production was 160.2, 163.4, 128.2, 125.9, and
66.5 L for 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of acacia, respectively. Goat diets should not include more than 25% acacia forage during
pregnancy and lactation.
