Evaluation of rations containing bioconverted cacao pod as fiber source for small ruminant

This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of bioconverted cacao pod (BCP) as a substitute for forage in the total mixed ration (TMR) for a small ruminant. In the in vitro experiment, the control TMR (30% forage and 70% concentrate) was substituted with two different levels of BCP (15% and 30%) and two different types of BCP ( BCP-pc and BCP-tv). Based on the in vitro evaluation, the best ration was then chosen for the in vivo experiment, in which male goats were fed a control TMR, the TMR containing 15% BCP-pc (RC), and TMR containing 15% bioconverted palm kernel meal (RP). The results showed that TMRs with 15% BCP-pc and BCP-tv substitution had significantly lower gas production and digestibility than the control ration. However, the TMR with 15% or 30% BCP substitution showed no significant difference in rumen fermentation characteristics, methane production, and total protozoa. In the in vivo experiment, the RC showed no significant difference in all nutrient intakes, the average daily gain of animals, feed conversion ratio value, and crude fiber digestibility but reduced dry and organic matter digestibility. In comparison, the RP resulted in reduced parameters. Therefore, the study concluded that BCP-pc at a level of 15% could be used as a substitute for forage in TMR for male goats without compromising the fermentability of rumen, nutrient intakes, and their average daily gain and feed conversion ratio. Overall, this study suggests the potential of BCP-pc as an alternative feed ingredient.