The present research work was carried out at Maryout Research Station where
results from feeding and metabolism Irials were utilized 10 investigate the energy
required for maintenance of goats. Twenty male Sahrawi goats were used. The
animals weights ranged from (25 t038 kg). Twelve experimental rations were
formulated using barley grains, commercial concentrate mixture and wheat straw in
order to achieve the planned varying levels of energy and OCP within the permissible
DM intakes. The plan of feeding was to establish 12 combinations of TON and OCP
levels eilher at recommended, above or below maintenance requirements of sheep.
being. 27.8 9 TDNI Kg W 0.73 and 2.3 9 DCPlKgW 0.73. . Animal pe~orm~nce varied ~etween a weight loss of -0.18 to a ~in of
+0. 12g/day/Kg. while nitrogen retention ranged from -104 to +386 mg/kg W' Iday.
Appropriate regression models were used for the estimation of maintenance energy
requirements for the maintenance of body weight. The predicted values were 32.11 g
TDNII<.~ wo.⁷³/day. 29.799 TDN/kg w0^7s/day, 491 KJ ME I kg w0^7J/day), 459 KJ ME
Il<.g woo 5/day.141 kcal DE Il<.g Wo 73/day and 131 kcal DE II<.g WO.^7S Iday. All these
values were within the range recommended by several authors for other
breeds of goats, but were slightly higher than those of Egyptian sheep. It is hoped that future experiments will determine the energy and DCP
requirements for goats during their growth, lactation and pregnancy taking body
composition into consideration.