Effects of Sulla Flexuosa Hay as Alternative Feed Resource on Goat's Milk Production and Quality

Simple Summary Sulla flexuosa is a phenolic-rich legume endemic in some southern Mediterranean areas. This plant could be used as an alternative feed resource for goats, but it requires some investigation. Incorporating 35% and 70% DM hay of Sulla flexuosa into the diet did not affect either milk production or physicochemical composition. However, the higher incorporation of 70% in the diet improved the antioxidant capacity and introduced some healthier fatty acids in milk, including docosahexaenoic acid. Therefore, Sulla flexuosa can be used as interesting alternative forage in goat diets. Sulla flexuosa (Hedysarum flexuosum L.) is an endemic legume growing in some Mediterranean areas in rainfed and cold mountainous conditions. It could be used in goat diets as an alternative protein source instead of alfalfa to supplement forest rangeland. This study aimed to test the effects of incorporating Sulla flexuosa (SF) hay in the diet of Beni Arouss goats on their milk production and quality. The hay was introduced at two levels, i.e., 35 or 70% (SF70), on a DM basis; it partially or totally replaced the alfalfa hay of the control diet. Sulla flexuosa incorporation did not affect milk production or physicochemical composition. However, milk FA content varied in proportion to the percentage of SF incorporation. The SF70 diet was associated with increased milk levels in C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, and C22:6n-3 and total monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and n-3 fatty acids. As a consequence, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were improved. Additionally, better antioxidant capacity was observed in SF70.

Automated summary

Sulla flexuosa, a phenolic-rich legume, can be used as an alternative feed resource for goats without affecting milk production or physicochemical composition. Incorporating a higher amount of Sulla flexuosa in the diet improves antioxidant capacity and introduces healthier fatty acids in milk. Therefore, Sulla flexuosa can be used as an interesting alternative forage in goat diets.