The influence of different levels of undegradable protein on the fiber characteristics of Raeini male goat

Twenty mature Raeini male goat at the age of 2-2.5 years with body weight of 30+-2.5 kg were used to assess the effects of different levels of undegradable protein on the fiber characteristics of this breed. the duration of this trial was 84 days. Four levels of the undergradable protein (2.75, 4.86, 5.91 and 6.97%, DM basis) were used. The diets (n=5) were formulated according to AFRC (1998) in which the ME content of the all diets was similar (10.04 MJ/Kg DM). The cashmere of the animals was sheared at beginning and at the end of the trail. The quantity and the quality of the cashmere produced by animals fed the experimental diets were determined. The data were statistically analyzed using completely randomized design. Mean values for the results for the diets were as follow: unwashed fiber weight 311.4, 300.6, 302.6, 280.6 g; washed fiber weight 221.4, 218.6, 235.1, 215.4 g cashmere weight 131.3, 110.8, 121.7, 111.8 g; cashmere length 22.9, 20.5, 20.1, 21.5 mm. Cashmere diameter 18.6, 18.6, 18.6, 18.9 micron. There were no significant differences between the parameters measured in the animals offered the experimental diets. In conclusion, adding the ungedradable protein above the recommended level by AFRC (1998) had no influence on the fiber characteristic of Raeini goat.