The beneficial impact of legume supplementation on nutrient intake, digestibility, growth and reproductive performance of goats: A brief review

Abstract

The productivity of goats in small-scale farming is largely influenced by the availability and affordability of high-quality forages all year round. Grasses commonly used for pastures in tropical regions tend to have low protein levels, which may not be sufficient for optimal production in ruminant animals. Despite potential concerns such as anti-nutritional elements and toxins, the addition of legumes to goat diets could be a beneficial way to address nutritional deficiencies in the diet of goats. This review discussed the beneficial impact of some legumes supplementation (Gliricidia sepium, Sesbania grandiflora, and Leucaena leucocephala) on nutrient intake, digestibility, growth and reproductive performance of goats. Studies have shown that G. sepium supplementation can improve nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, N retention, and body weight of goats. S. grandiflora supplementation had a beneficial impact on nutrient intake and digestibility, semen quality, and body weight.  L. leucocephala supplementation to the goat diets have been reported to improve production of volatile fatty acid and urinary purine derivatives, growth performance, dressing percentage, and overall yield of kid per animal, as well as reduce the incidence of abortion. This suggests that supplementation with high-quality foliage is very beneficial to increase nutrient intake, digestibility, growth and reproductive performance of goats fed low quality grass.