Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hydroponic fodder on the growth and reproductive performance of Black Bengal goats in East Champaran, Bihar, during the years 2020-21 and 2021-22. A total of 24 goats were randomly assigned to four groups: Control (C) with extensive grazing, gram straw, concentrate feed, and green fodder; Treatment 1 (T1) receiving C + 300g/day of wheat hydroponic fodder; Treatment 2 (T2) with 300g/day of maize hydroponic fodder alone; and Treatment 3 (T3) receiving C + a combination of 150g/day of wheat and 150g/day of maize hydroponic fodder. Each group comprised 6 animals. The nutrient composition analysis revealed that wheat hydroponic fodder had significantly higher (P < 0.05) levels of dry matter, crude protein, and lignin, whereas maize contained higher nitrogen-free extract, crude fiber, ether extract, and ash. In terms of growth performance, T3 showed the highest body weight gain and daily weight gain, outperforming T2, T1, and the control group (P < 0.05). Though differences between T2 and T3 were not significant (P > 0.05) across both years, T3 consistently exhibited better performance. Reproductive performance indicators, such as age at puberty, age of first kidding, and kid mortality rates, were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in T3, T1, and the control group compared to T2. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) between T2 and T3 in these parameters. T3 also showed the highest kidding size and birth weight of kids (P < 0.05), followed by T2, T1, and the control group. The cost of feed per kilogram of body weight gain was lowest in T3, followed by T2, T1, and the control. In conclusion, the combination of maize and wheat hydroponic fodder (T3) resulted in better growth and reproductive performance compared to feeding maize or wheat hydroponic fodder alone. Furthermore, this feeding strategy reduced the cost per kilogram of live weight gain, indicating its potential for enhancing the sustainability and profitability of goat farming systems in the region.
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