Effect of Palisada perforate (Bory) K.W.Nam Dietary Supplementation on Goat Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance and Fermentation Characteristics

In this study, a red macroalgae species, Palisada perforate (Bory) K.W.Nam, was processed as a supplement total mixed ration (TMR), which was used to evaluate the nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and rumen fermentation characteristics of goat. For this purpose, the impact of different levels of P. perforate (Bory) K.W.Nam supplementation were compared: P. perforate (Bory) K.W.Nam supplements at 0.0, 2.5 and 5.0 organic matter (OM). Twelve Kacang goats (body weight 16.85-31.80kg) were used in this study and grouped in a complete randomized block design with three treatments and four replications. The results showed that nutrient intake and digestibility (except crude protein) increased (P<0.05) with P. perforate (Bory) K.W.Nam supplementation at 2.5-5.0 OM. Adding 5.0 OM P. perforate (Bory) K.W.Nam on the basal diet also increased (P<0.05) nitrogen balance. Supplementing that seaweed at 5.0 OM increased (P<0.01) total VFA production, propionate proportion, and microbial protein synthesis. That treatment also decreased (P<0.01) acetate proportion followed by acetate propionate ratio, and methane calculation without affecting NH3 concentration and pH value still in normal range. It is concluded that the total mixed ration supplemented with P. perforate (Bory) K.W.Nam 5.0 OM resulted in the highest nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, VFA total, propionate proportion, and microbial synthesis protein. This treatment also resulted in the lowest acetate proportion, acetate propionate ratio, and methane prediction but did not affect NH3. This combination has the potential to increase ruminant productivity. © 2025, Unique Scientific Publishers. All rights reserved.