Glycerol52 for grazing dairy goats
High productive grazing animals are usually supplemented with energy, protein and mineral-vitamin premix in order to fulfil the production requirements of these animals. Cereal grains are a typical source of energy. However, other more economic alternatives, as the inclusion of certain amount of crude glycerol has become as effective as grains. Among the livestock species where glycerol may be included as an interesting source of energy, we would like to add one more: Dairy goats. Goats are often reared under grazing condition. Thistype of production system requires a low-inputs philosophy in order to be profitable, although it may be combined with high yielding animals.
A recent study has validated the suitability of glycerol on lactating goats on pasture. The study published byD. Novais-Eiras et al., 2018, in Small Ruminants Research has found the following conclusions and benefits:
- Crude glycerine may be added up to 9% of the feed supplement without any disadvantage.
- Glycerine acts as a source of glucose to the animals.
- Glycerine improved ether extract digestibility.
- Milk fat content increased with increasing levels of crude glycerine.
- Glycerine induced an increased on polyunsaturated fatty acids in milk.
- Lastly, the addition of glycerine to lactating dairy goats on pasture improved the Nitrogen utilization by the animal.
In order to facilitate the storage and handling of glycerol, Norel has developed Glycerol52, a solid powder form of Glycerol as an easily available source of energy.