The feed consumption of Deer (Axis axis) fed three difference type of feedstuffs

Abstract

Abstract Spotted deer ( Axis axis ) is one of the animals that are currently being developed as source of animal protein for people in Indonesia. A spotted deer breeding center can be successfully developed by providing feed with a good quality and having enough nutrient. The main purpose of this study was to determine the feed organic matter consumption of a group of 36 deer fed carrot, feed concentrate, and elephant grass. Feeding of the three feedstuffs was carried out for three weeks with different feedstuffs each week. In the first week of experiment, a group of 36 deer was given carrot (Diet-1), the second week the deer was given feed concentrate (Diet-2), and the third week the deer was given elephant grass (Diet-3). Water was freely available to the deer every day. The consumption of feed organic matter and the feed palatability were measured 5 days each week, then the deer was given 2 days’ adaption period for new feed. Data of organic matter consumption of feed the analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (Anova). The results showed that the organic matter feed consumption was significantly difference (p<0.05) between those of the three difference feedstuffs. Those 21 deer consumed organic matter of carrot 12kg/day, feed concentrate 13kg/day, and elephant grass 4kg/day, respectively. A similar trial was conducted to a group of 9 deer, and the results of this trial just confirmed the results of the previous experiment. It was concluded that the different of organic matter consumption of the three feedstuffs may be due to difference of the palatability of the feedstuffs.

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