Betel leaf (Piper betle Linn.) meal supplementation enhances milk production and composition in Ettawa crossbred dairy goats

Department of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, Faculty of Animal Science, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia, 16680

^* Corresponding author: asudarman@apps.ipb.ac.id

Abstract

Subclinical mastitis (SCM), characterized by reduced milk yield, poor milk quality, udder inflammation, and increased somatic cell counts, is a major concern in dairy goat production. To mitigate the reliance on antibiotics, this study explored betel leaf (Piper betle L.) meal (BLM) as an alternative antibacterial feed additive. The effects of BLM on milk production and metabolic parameters in Ettawa Crossbred dairy goats were evaluated. Dietary treatments employed two groups (n= 6): a basal diet (T0) and the basal diet supplemented with 1.4% BLM (T1). Milk yield, milk composition (fat, protein, solid non-fat, total solids), and plasma glucose and triglyceride levels were assessed. Independent samples t-tests revealed that dietary 1.4% BLM significantly increased milk yield (P < 0.05), milk fat (P< 0.05), and total solids (P < 0.05). In contrast, BLM supplementation did not significantly affect milk protein, solid non-fat, glucose, or triglyceride concentrations (P > 0.05). These results suggest that 1.4% BLM can enhance milk yield and specific milk solid components in Ettawa Crossbred dairy goats, without compromising metabolic status.