Effect of Hibiscus Leaf on Protein Balance, Blood Profile, and Body Composition of Etawah Crossbreed Goats

Abstract | Hibiscus leaf was a native tropical plant that contains saponin that may be used as de-faunating agent in ruminants. In some areas, these plants commonly being used as an alternative feed for ruminant, particularly during the dry season, but the study of its effect was limited. This study aims to determine the effect of additional Hibiscus leaf flour (HLF) in the concentrate on protein balance, blood metabolic profile, and body composition of Etawah crossbreed goats. A total of 20 goats with an average initial body weight of 18.22 ± 3.09 kg were used in the study with a randomized block design consisting of 4 treatments and 5 replications. The four treatments tested were as follows: A: elephant grass + concentrate A (without HLF); B: treatment A + concentrate B (with 5% HLF); C: treatment A + concentrate C (with 10% HLF); and treatment D: Treatment A+ concentrate D (with 15% HLF). The protein balance, blood metabolic profile, body composition, and nutrient deposition were measured. The results showed that the goats that were treated D had the highest protein retention up to 9.89 g/head/day, but it was not significantly different from other treatments. Blood metabolic profile, body composition, and nutrient deposition were also not significantly different between all treatments. It can be concluded that the addition of HLF in concentrate does not affect the protein balance, blood metabolic profile, body composition, and nutrient deposition.