Studi Kualitas Pakan Hijauan terhadap Performa Pertumbuhan Kambing Lokal

Abstract

Forage feed is the primary nutritional source in local goat farming because it plays an essential role in meeting energy, protein, fiber, and mineral requirements that support livestock growth. The quality of forage provided greatly influences the growth performance of goats, particularly during the active growth phase. This study aimed to analyze the effect of forage quality on the growth performance of local goats through the measurement of feed intake, average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency. The research employed an experimental design by providing several types of forage with different nutritional contents, including crude protein levels, crude fiber content, and digestibility values. The research samples consisted of local goats maintained under similar management conditions during a specific observation period. The collected data were analyzed descriptively and statistically to determine the relationship between forage quality and livestock growth performance. The results showed that goats receiving high-quality forage with better protein content and digestibility experienced increased feed intake and higher average daily weight gain compared to goats fed low-quality forage. In addition, feed utilization efficiency was higher in the livestock group receiving forage with optimal nutritional value. Excessively high crude fiber content was found to reduce feed intake and digestibility, thereby slowing goat growth. Therefore, forage quality has a significant effect on the growth performance of local goats. This study is expected to serve as a basis for developing more effective and sustainable feeding strategies to improve the productivity of local goats and support the development of smallholder livestock farming.