EFFECT OF SUCKLING REGIEM AND WEANING AGE ON MILK YIELD AND COMPOSITION AND KIDS PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL AL-MARIZ GOAT

Abstract

This study was conducted on 48 local Al-mariz does with different ages (2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 years) and weights (31-35, 36-40 and 41-45 kgs) with single kids immediately after kidding. After kidding the does with kids were divided into two main groups according to suckling regime (natural and restricted suckling), also each main group was divided into two sub-groups according to weaning age (57 and 87 days). Body weight and measurements of kids were recorded at 87 days of age. Also milk yield, milk composition and lactation length were measured. The results indicated that kids weaned at 87 days under the natural suckling regime had significantly higher body weight and some body measurements than kids weaned at 57 days under the restricted regime. The results indicated that age and weight of doe, sex of kids and weaning age had significantly affected milk yield until 87 days, total milk yield and lactation length, while suckling regime had significantly affected commercial milk yield only. All studied factors (age and weight of doe, sex of kid, suckling regime and weaning age) were significantly affected fat percentage, while not significantly affected protein percentage.