Formulation and Preparation of Densified Complete Feed Blocks with and without Condensed Tannins: Impact on Performance of Haemonchus contortus Infected Goats

Present study was planned to screen locally available tanniferous tree leaves for their chemical composition, presence of condensed tannins (CT), potential source of CT and suitable leaf meal mixture (LMM) was formulated for incorporation in the densified complete feed blocks (DCF). Two types of blocks (with and without CT; CT-DCF and DCF, respectively) were formulated and prepared. Twelve adult male goats of similar age and body weight (27.51 ± 0.86) were divided in 3 groups (4 in each) in completely randomized block design (CRD) for feeding of 75 days. Goats of T1 (no infection) and T2 (H. contortus infection @ 1500 L3 /goat) were offered DCF blocks while the goats of T3 (H. contortus infection @ 1500 L3 /goat) offered CTDCF. Initial body weights (kg) of goats did not differ significantly (P<0.05) irrespective of groups, however, final body weight at the end of feeding trial were significantly lower in T2 compared to T1 and T3. Daily feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T2 as compared to T1 and T3. Intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, digestible crude protein, digestible organic matter and total digestible nutrients (Kg/100 Kg bwt.) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 and T3 as compared to T2. The faecal egg counts (FECs) per gram faeces were significantly lower (P<0.05) in T3 than that of T2. It may be concluded that CTDCF serve a promising complementary alternative feeding strategy to control H. contortus infection in goats as socio-economic, farmers and environmental friendly sustainable approach.