2. Effect of supplementation with Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) tree foliage and Ivermectin injection on growth rate and parasite eggs in faeces of grazing goats in farmer households

Authors: Theng Kouch, Preston T R and Hun Hieak 2006

Livestock Research for Rural Development . Volume 18, Article # 87. Retrieved, from http://www.cipav.org.co/lrrd/lrrd18/06/kouc18087.htm

Summary: The experiment was conducted with farmers who were living in Pearm Okgna Ong commune, Lvear Em district in Kandal Province, about 25 km from Phnom Penh. The research took place over an 8 month period, commencing on 1st February 2004 and finishing at the end of August 2004. Twenty four non-castrated male goats were purchased from local farmers at about 3 months of age, and 11.3±2.67 kg live weight. They were allocated to 12 farmers according to a combination of 4 treatments arranged in three blocks, on the basis of live weight. The treatments, arranged as a 2*2 factorial, were: G (Grazing of natural grass only - control), GS (Grazing of natural grass with supplement of kapok tree foliage), GI (Grazing of natural grass and Ivermectin injection) and GSI (Grazing of natural grass and supplement with kapok tree foliages and Ivermectin injection). The kapok tree foliage was given fresh after being collected by the farmers. It was offered on an ad libitum (about 50% above recorded intake) in the evening (about 4 to 5pm) by hanging bunches of the foliage on the pen wall, simulating the way traditionally used by the farmers. The Ivermectin was injected at the beginning of the experiment and repeated every two months. The goats were weighed every two weeks. Feed intake of the kapok foliage was recorded and samples retained for analysis.

Abstract: Growth rates were twice as high in the dry season (range of 98 to 112 g/day than in the wet season (24 to 50 g/day), when much of the natural grazing area was flooded. Growth rates were increased by supplementation in the wet season but not in the dry season and were not affected by Ivermectin treatment in either season. Nematode egg counts in faeces were in the low to medium category (200 to 800 EPG). They were less in goats treated with Ivermectin compared with untreated controls, but were not affected by supplementation. Supplementation with kapok foliage appears to be a viable option to improve the nutritional status of goats during periods of the year when grazing is restricted

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