Influence of refeeding on production, blood biochemistry parameters, and reproduction in underfed Kacang goat does

This research aimed to investigate the effect of refeeding on production, blood biochemical parameters, and reproduction in underfed Kacang goat does. Twelve 2-3-year-old Kacang goats scored (body condition score [BCS]: 1-1.5) with poor body condition but appeared healthy, gave normal births 3-4 months before but no longer nursing their youngs, and anestrus were used in this study. The experiment consisted of 110 days with 14 days of adaptation period and 96 days of feeding treatment and data collection. After the adaptation period, the animals were divided into two groups (A and B), with six animals each. During the first 40 days (underfeeding period), they were fed with kangkong (Ipomoea reptans) straw at a level of 2% of body weight (BW). For the following 56 days (refeeding period), each animal in group A was fed at the level of 4% BW per day while group B was fed at the level of 5% BW per day consisting of 50% kangkong straw and 50% concentrate. Feed intake, average daily gain, body condition, and estrus were assessed in the period of underfeeding and refeeding. Blood samples were collected at the end of the underfeeding and refeeding period for blood biochemical parameter analyses. During the underfeeding period, the animals were anestrous and had poor body condition (BCS: 1.17-1.33) and high serum levels of cortisol, progesterone, and estradiol. Refeeding resulted in a significant increase in BCS (2.75-3.0), restoring estrous cycle, and reduced serum cortisol and progesterone level (p < 0.05). The Kacang goats had good compensatory growth. It could be concluded that refeeding at the level of 4-5% BW would restore undernourished goats' clinical condition, productivity, and reproductive performance after 8 weeks of refeeding.