The main goal of feed analysis is to predict the productive response of animals, in this case ruminant production, when fed diets of a given nutrient composition. A systematic approach to the overall aspects of animal production is vital for a stable and profitable output. Ranking forages can benefit the local producers to value each type of forages they feed the animals. From this point of view, a database must be developed containing sufficient samples of feeds and forages with relevant data determined under relatively uniform conditions, although animal variation due to preference, physiological state or genetic potential for production may, on the other hand, contribute to errors in measurements of forage quality. Relative feed value (RFV) is the forage quality index used widely in the United States as an important tool in the marketing of forages. In Malaysia, however, this index has not been established for assessing the status of local grass quality and how it relates to the performance of the local ruminant industry. The objective of this paper is to estimate RFV of the local B. decumbens grass towards the future establishment of its index under tropical climate. RFV between 74-84 obtained from this study was calculated using CP and ME values from a 5-year proximate analysis data from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) of local B. decumbens, sampled from the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. If this forage is produced on a large scale, this assessment can help the producers and farmers differentiate between lots that are more or less valuable, thus making it a useful marketing and decision-making tool.

Palm kernel cake (PKC) has long been known to be an importantingredient for the formulation of animal feeds. However the recommended levels of inclusion seem to vary from one reporter to another. This factor is considered important especially when formulating feeds for nonruminant diets. The variation of its major constituents such as protein, fibre and fat contents is said to depend on the sources, oil removal technology and the efficiency of oil extraction from the kernel. For comparison,a set of compilation data of 300 local PKC samples from the past years on these basic nutritional constituents were studied.Majority of the samples analysed were from southern region of Peninsular Malaysia meant for animal feeds. Mean percentagevalues and their respective standard deviations were as follows; crude protein 16.1±1.65, crude fibre 19.3±4.22, crude ash5.9±2.48, ether extract 5.6±3.36, dry matter 91.3±2.65, and metabolisable energy 7.75 MJ/kg. The objective of the study was to observe the distribution pattern of these values compared to other surveys. From this study, the highest relative standarddeviation (RSD) reached 60% for ether extract, followed by ash 42.1%, and crude fibre 21.8%. From the variation point of view,periodical results for quality control of PKC must be initiated as an useful indicator for its accuracy of each diet formulation.

Cost of feed is one of the primary stumbling blocks for goat farming in Malaysia. Stage feeding was introduced as a method to formulate feed at minimum cost based on the requirement of different stages of production to improve overall farm productivity. A study was conducted to evaluate 5 feeding rations formulated based on the requirements of different production stages on Katjang-Boer crossbred. Ration formulated of creep feed (CF) for a period of 101d, starter grower (SG) (70d), grower finisher (GF) (98d), flushing feed (FF) (97d) and maintenance feed (MF) (155d) were compared with commercial feed (CCF and CMF) as control. Results showed a significantly higher (P<0.05 preweaning bodyweight of 12.83 ± 3.61 kg in CF at 101 days of age. Post weaning also achieved significantly higher bodyweight (P<0.05 of 22.20±2.78kg and 31.5±4.67 in SG (223 days) and GF (361 days) of age respectively. Feed cost per kg gain obtain in CF (RM5.68), SG (RM9.03) and GF (RM6.57) were lower compared to CCM of RM6.14, RM10.27 and 12.99 respectively. FF showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) of 67.01 ± 14.42 g while MF was able to maintain body weight at minimum cost. Stage feeding proved to be able to meet nutritional needs through significantly higher body weight in CF, SG, GF and FF as well as lower feed cost per kg gain rendering it as a more economical option.

Information on the nutritional content of animal feed is very important in improving milk production and the quality of milk produced. Data on the nutrition and nutritional quality of feed given to livestock are not comprehensively evaluated and recorded in any dairy farms in Johore. The objective of this study is to determine the nutritional content of selected feedstuffs, with production and quality of milk in selected dairy farms in Johore. Data were collected from 94 dairy farms during field visits through face-toface interviews. Feed samples collected were dairy cattle pellet, Napier grass, palm kernel cake, palm kernel expeller, soybean hull, corn, cassava peel and agricultural waste. Proximate analysis was performed using standard AOAC methods. The result of this study found that 67.0% of dairy farmers in Johore use Napier grass as the main source of fodder. The survey showed that 46% of the farmers in Johore give a suitable quantity of Napier grass based on body weight, while for milk production, the survey showed that 54 dairy farms in Johore produce less than 100 litres/day, 18 farms produce 101-200 litres/day, 12 farms produce 201-300 litres/day, and 10 farms produce more than 300 litres/day. The overall status of dairy farms in Johore shows that 60% of the farms produce an average of 5.1-10 litre milk per cow per day in which 92.5% of milk samples collected had acceptable Total Dissolved Solid values indicating good quality of milk production.