Effects of Crude Protein Levels in Total Mixed Rations on Growth Performance and Meat Quality in Growing Korean Black Goats

This study was carried out to investigate effects of crude protein (CP) levels in total mixed rations (TMR) on growth performance and meat quality in growing Korean black goats. Thirty-six 6-month-old growing black male goats (initial body weight = 17.950.13 kg) were used. The goats were randomly divided into four treatments and 9 animals were allotted to each treatment. In terms of treatments, CP levels in TMR were 14, 16, 18, and 20% of dry matter (DM) and all diets were isocaloric (2.4 Mcal ME/kg DM). The experiment lasted for 20 weeks with a 15-day adaptation period. After the end of the trial, five goats from each treatment were slaughtered to measure carcass characteristics and meat quality. Average daily gain (ADG) significantly (p