On farm evaluation of the energy levels in the diet on the production and physical-chemical composition of dairy goats

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets with different energy levels on nutrient intake, milk production and composition, body weight and benefit:cost ratio of a dairy goat production. Nine goats were distributed in a triple 3 x 3 latin square design. The experiment lasted for 60 days, divided into three 20-day periods. Complete rations containing three energy levels were evaluated: 65%, 70% and 75% of TDN. The dry matter intake, crude protein and mineral matter consumption were higher (P 0.05) in goats receiving diets containing 70% and 75% TDN, but these diets produced more milk (P