Effect of Concentrate Feeding Frequency on Growth Performance of Sirohi Goat Kids

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Background: The growth rate and body weight increased with increment in feed frequencies due to microbial activities enhancing nutrient absorption in the animal’s body (Yaunas et al., 2014, Bawala et al., 2009). The efficacy of growth by increased feeding frequency is due to a large improvement in the efficiency of food utilization. Smaller ruminants require more frequent feedings than larger ruminants because of their higher basal metabolism. Methods: The effects of concentrate feeding frequency on growth performance were assessed in a three-month trial including twenty-one female Sirohi goat kids. Three groups (T1, T2 and T3) containing concentrate were randomly assigned to feed the Sirohi goat kids once, twice, or three times a day. Throughout the ninety-day trial, uniform management techniques and feeding like green or dry fodder were kept up. Each animal was given an exact quantity of food and water each morning during the trial and the remaining feed and water were weighed the next morning. Result: Total daily feed intake was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in T3 (885.88±4.06 g/d) than in T2 (775.03±7.52 g/d) and T1 (702.54±5.78 g/d). Average daily weight gain (ADG) was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in T3 (43.68±1.8 g) than in T1 (32.30±2.61 g) and T2 (37.73±2.42 g). Non-significantly differing feed conversion ratio (3.06±0.31) in T3 than in T2 (3.16±0.29) and T1 (3.39±0.31), indicating a positive impact of thrice-a-day concentrate feeding on feed intake and growth but not affect feed efficiency in goat kids.