Effects of protein supplementation on juniper consumption in goats

Goats consume redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii Sudw.) but intake is limited by monoterpenoids. This study determined effects of protein supplementation on juniper consumption. Recently weaned Boer-cross goats (n = 47) were randomly placed into 5 treatments. Treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 received a protein supplement, juniper, and a basal diet for 14 days, while treatment 5 received only a basal diet of alfalfa pellets and juniper. Protein sources differed among supplements. Treatment 1 contained cotton seed meal, Treatment 2 contained cottonseed meal and corn distiller's grain, Treatment 3 contained soybean meal and Treatment 4 contained soybean meal and distiller's grain. Goats supplemented with cotton seed meal and distiller's grain consumed more (P<0.05) juniper apparently because more amino acids escaped rumen digestion. Landowners should consider supplementing with a protein supplement containing cotton seed meal and distillers grain when using goats to manage juniper.