Responses to Dietary Supplementation With Field Bean in Production Indices, Mohair Growth and Hormonal Parameters in Transition Angora Goats
August 2022
in “
Italian Journal of Animal Science/Italian journal of animal science
”
TLDR Field bean supplementation improved mohair growth and kid growth in Angora goats but didn't prevent weight loss after giving birth.
The study on 22 Angora goats transitioning from pregnancy to lactation found that dietary supplementation with whole field bean seeds (WFBS) improved production indices despite no significant changes in live weight (LW) and body condition score (BCS). Supplemented goats showed faster growth in kids and greater mohair fibre elongation, indicating better nutrient partitioning towards lactation and hair growth. Higher thyroid hormone levels (T3 and T4) were observed in the supplemented group, while insulin levels remained unaffected. Plasma insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations trended lower in the supplemented group. The study concludes that WFBS supplementation enhances production indices in transition Angora goats, suggesting further research on varying supplementation quantities.
