Dry matter intake, dry matter digestibility and growth performance in goats fed grass-based diet (Brachiaria or Cenchrus) compared with a concentrate-based diet

Dry matter digestibility (DMD), dry intake (DMI) and growth performance of concentrate- forage-based diets were investigated using 24 growing Blended goats (12 males, 12 females) weighing 16.5±1.2 kg (mean±sd). Goats blocked by sex assigned randomly to three dietary treatments that fed for 10 weeks, after two weeks adaptation. Dietary MRG (40% maize bran, 40% rice 20% Gliricidia leaf meal), BG (80% Brachiaria brizantha cv. Piatã, meal) CG Cenchrus ciliaris, meal). All contained sufficient nutrients meet the requirements goats. The diet had lower DMI than CG, likely because small particle size adapted slowly diet. Average daily weight gain was 10.7, 9.9 22.8 g/day MRG, BG, respectively, did not differ among diets. overall live change while intermediate. These findings indicate B. Piatã C. ciliaris are equally useful as supplementary feedstuffs during season. Key words: polish, sepium.