Replacement value of Solanum elaeagnifolium for alfalfa hay offered to growing goats

In order to determine the nutritional properties of Solanum elaeagnifolium in goat diets, chemical analysis, in vitro techniques and a feeding trial were conducted. S. elaeagnifolium replaced alfalfa hay in the diet of confined growing goats at 0% (T0), 25% (T25), 50% (T50), 75% (T75), and 100% (T100). Roughage comprised 300 g kg−1 of total feed offered. Values of nutritional parameters for S. elaeagnifolium were in vitro OMD, 522 g kg−1; crude protein (CP), 150 g kg−1; metabolizable energy, 6.52 MJ kg−1 DM. Maximum average daily gain (ADG; 116±22 g day−1) was observed in T0 animals, while goats receiving S. elaeagnifolium gained weight in the range of 40–112 g day−1. Most of the variation in weight gain was explained by ascending levels of S. elaeagnifolium in the diet (R2=0.92), which decreased (P<0.05) dry matter intake (DMI) and increased feed conversion ratio (FCR; DMI/ADG). These results indicate that S. elaeagnifolium at the flowering stage is not palatable and nutritious for goats. This forb can replace alfalfa hay only by 25% (DM basis) without adverse effect on DMI or ADG of growing goats.