Effects of rations containing formaldehyde-protected soybean meal on meat production in Kacang goats

AIM: This study aimed to investigate effects of rations containing formaldehyde-protected soybean meal on meat production in Kacang goats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen yearling Kacang bucks, weighing 15.8-19.8 kg, were arranged in a completely randomized design. The treatments included a control (PSBM0): 100% untreated SBM; PSBM50: 50% untreated SBM + 50% formaldehyde-protected SBM; and PSBM100: 100% formaldehyde-protected SBM. RESULTS: The goats disliked the protected SBM. Therefore, differences in their intakes were reflected in their average daily gain (ADG). The ADG and slaughtered weight of the control group were the highest, while those of the PSBM100 and PSBM50 groups were similar. The carcass weights and meat production of the control group were higher than those of the PSBM50 group, but the retained protein to the meat conversion ratio of the PSBM50 group was lower than that of the control. The carcass percentages were similar between the treatments. CONCLUSION: The retained protein to meat conversion ratio of Kacang goats fed with 50% formaldehyde-protected SBM showed the lowest value, indicating that these rations efficiently produced meat in the carcass.