The Effects of the Addition of Ground Date Seeds on Local Goats

A healthy goat typically eats between two and four percent of its body weight daily in fresh plant or dry plant matter such as grass or hay. However, simply grazing does not provide complete nutrition. Ground date seed is one way to add protein and optimize nutrient absorption in goats.

  1. Goat Nutrition

    • Goats are ruminant animals like cows, sheep, and deer. This means they have four stomachs and digest their food by swallowing, chewing their cud, and swallowing again. Unlike humans, this process allows the goat to live primarily on roughage, like hay and grass. Rumination requires an adequate amount of protein and vitamins, which are essential to keep a healthy balance of microorganisms in the animal's digestive system. Lactating does and kids need more protein in their diets, as do yearlings.

    Ground Date Seed Characteristics

    • The date is a common palm-tree grown fruit originating in the Persian Gulf and now found throughout the Middle East, north Africa, India, Pakistan, Spain and Jamaica. The date seed can be used as animal feed either soaked in water until soft or dried and ground. Once processed in either of these ways, the seed contains nutrients including 65 percent carbohydrates, 2 to 5 percent protein, and 6 to 13 percent fiber.

    Effects of Ground Date Seed

    • In a study published in the January edition of the "Journal of American Science," researchers at the Desert Research Center in Cairo found that the addition of ground date seed or another protein source improved goats' abilities to utilize the nutrients found in their usual diet of hay and grass. Ground date seed is easily available in Egypt as an agricultural by-product, making it a cost-effective feed supplement as well as lessening the environmental impact of the overuse of hay and grass in this arid, semi-arid climate.

    Warnings

    • In the Desert Research Center study, there was no significant difference between protein obtained from date seed or barley. As feed is the most significant cost in raising ruminant animals, owners should consider the price and ease of access when deciding on a protein supplement. As always, speak with your veterinarian or feed supplier when determining the proper ratios of nutrients for your animals especially when kidding, lactating, or in a period of rapid growth.