Protein requirements of goats

Abstract

Protein is a nutrient that has been the object of study in various polls, with extensive nutritional importance, because participating in the formation and maintenance of tissues in the transport of nutrients in muscle contraction and the structure of hormones and enzymes Proteins represent between 15 and 20% of the body, and that nearly half is contained in muscle mass. The prolonged deficiency of protein in the diet may reduce the stockpiles of the blood, liver and muscles, predisposing the animals to various diseases, and reduce the efficiency of utilization of food due to changes in rumen functions. Studies have shown a wide variation in the requirements of protein for goats and other ruminants, which may be related to factors. The vast majority of studies that estimate or make recommendations on nutritional requirements of small ruminants, especially goats, in Brazil, using or extrapolates data obtained from sheep and/or cattle, in addition to differ from those envisaged internationally, which has been linked in part, The variations in terms of environment and food, becoming more accurate studies needed for the goats, particularly those species native or naturalized in the country.