Replacement of tifton hay with alfalfa hay in diets containing spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) for dairy goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing tifton hay (Cynodon spp.) with alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) in spineless cactus-based (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) diets for lactating goats on intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, metabolic profile and production and composition of milk. The experimental diets were composed of increasing levels (0, 33, 67 and 100% of dry matter (DM)) of alfalfa hay to replace tifton hay. Twelve crossbred multiparous Saanen goats with an average initial body weight (BW) of 46.2 ± 7.5 kg and average milk production of 3.0 kg/day were assigned to a triple Latin square experimental design (4 × 4), each having an average milk production of 3.0 kg/day. The intake of DM, organic matter, crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrates was linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing replacement levels. A quadratic effect was found for neutral detergent fiber intake, with the maximum intake estimated to be 788 g/day for the 43.8% replacement level. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of replacing tiffon hay with any level of alfalfa hay on total apparent digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, metabolic profile or milk production and composition. The total replacement of tifton hay with alfalfa hay can be used in the lactating goats diet without causing any problems in the dairy performance.