Effect of protein intake on nutrient utilization, blood biochemical status, and reproductive performance in dry Saanen goats (Capra hircus)

This study aims to determine the impact of protein intake on nutritional and reproduction of dry Saanen goats in malnourished conditions. This research consisted of the following two stages: 1 the condition of livestock with basal feed provided by smallholder farmers was identified and 2 the protein quality of feed was improved by adding concentrates and legumes. Fourteen dry Saanen goats, with an average body weight of 16.62 ± 1.46 kg^0.75, were fed using basal feed for the first four weeks, followed by supplementary high protein feeding for the subsequent two months. Several parameters, such as nutrient intake and digestibility, nitrogen balance, estrus response, blood metabolite profile, hormones, body condition score (BCS), and BW, were identified during initial data collection at the commencement of the study and after the provision of improved feed. Paired T-test analyses were employed to analyze the obtained data. Results revealed that goats during stage 1 observation were in a nutrient-deficient condition, indicated by a BCS range of only 1.1-1.3. Significant increase (P < 0.05) in nutrient feed intake parameters, such as increased nutrition digestibility, enhanced nitrogen balance, and BCS values, were shown after feed improvement in stage 2. This increase markedly influenced blood metabolite and estrus responses but did not significantly affect hormones. Nutrient enhancement in dry Saanen goats was considered effective in improving the nutritional status and impacting blood metabolite profiles and the estrus response. © 2026, Chiang Mai University - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. All rights reserved.