Abstract
This research produced tofu lees silage able to be stored for extended periods and investigated
the effects on growth and meat production of feeding tofu lees silage to growing male goats. Tofu lees silage was able to store for long term (high lactate content, no butyrate) and was highly palatable. Twelve goats (crossbred Japanese Saanen/Nubian, 3 months old, BW 22.3 kg) were allocated into two groups (control feed group: CFG, tofu lees silage group: TSG). The CFG was fed formulated feed containing no tofu lees, while the TSG used tofu lees silage containing 20% tofu lees (volume to provide 100 g/d increase in BW). Alfalfa hay cubes were fed twice daily (1.0-2.0 kg/d). Klein grass hay and water were given ad libitum. From 3 to 12 months old, body weight and sizes were measured monthly. The carcass and loin characteristics were also analyzed. TDN and DCP intake in the TSG and CFG were in keeping with the TDN and DCP requirements for growth. However, the growth rates and meat production of the animals in the TSG were significantly higher than the CFG. The results indicate that tofu lees silage feeding improves growth in growing goats and increases meat production.
