Decandia, M.; Molle, G.; Cabiddu, A.; Giovanetti, V.
The effect of PEG on energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR) oxygen consumption (VO2), feeding behaviour and performance of eight Sarda goats, browsing on lentisk-based bushland, was studied. Two treatments were compared in a switch-over design: Control (C) and PEG (50 g/goat/day). HR was continuously recorded; VO2 was measured by an open circuit system. EE was estimated from daily HR measurements and oxygen consumption calibrated against oxygen consumption per heart beat (O2 pulse, ml O2/kg MW/beat). Feeding behaviour and intake were quantified by direct observation of biting. In vivo DM and CP digestibility were measured by alkanes. EE and HR were higher in PEG goats (P<0.01). The treatment had no effect on O2 pulse. PEG goats tended to ingest more at pasture than controls (P<0.09). DM digestibility was similar whereas CP digestibility was higher in PEG goats (P<0.05). The estimated ME intake tended to be higher in PEG group (P<0.2).
Decandia, M.; Molle, G.; Cabiddu, A.; Giovanetti, V.
The effect of PEG on energy expenditure (EE), heart rate (HR) oxygen consumption (VO2), feeding behaviour and performance of eight Sarda goats, browsing on lentisk-based bushland, was studied. Two treatments were compared in a switch-over design: Control (C) and PEG (50 g/goat/day). HR was continuously recorded; VO2 was measured by an open circuit system. EE was estimated from daily HR measurements and oxygen consumption calibrated against oxygen consumption per heart beat (O2 pulse, ml O2/kg MW/beat). Feeding behaviour and intake were quantified by direct observation of biting. In vivo DM and CP digestibility were measured by alkanes. EE and HR were higher in PEG goats (P<0.01). The treatment had no effect on O2 pulse. PEG goats tended to ingest more at pasture than controls (P<0.09). DM digestibility was similar whereas CP digestibility was higher in PEG goats (P<0.05). The estimated ME intake tended to be higher in PEG group (P<0.2).