Effect of whey and propolis on growth characteristics, on blood values and diarrhea of the goat kids

Abstract

This study was conducted to obtain an alternative, more economical and healthier milk substitute feed by adding whey powder and propolis to cow’s milk in goat kid rearing. Forty Saanen goat kids born in the same period were divided into 4 groups, 7 days after their birth. The kids were divided into 4 groups of 10, with 10 in the control group (CG) who were kept together with their mothers, and in experimental groups 1-2-3 (EG1, EG2, EG3) who were kept in separate sections. Kids in all three experimental groups were fed with only the milk substitute (cow’s milk+whey powder+water). In groups EG2 and EG3, the kids were given 0. 4 cc and 0. 2 cc propolis respectively in addition to the milk substitute once a day. The growth and development parameters and rectal temperatures of the kids were measured once a week, and morning and evening diarrhea scorings were taken in all groups. Biochemical and hematological analyses were performed. According to all the results obtained, the differences in body temperatures and in the glucose and urea values between the groups were found to be significant (P <0.05). Each group was evaluated within itself, RBC analysis results were found to be significant in all groups. The insignificant difference between the average growth and development parameters of the kids in the EG and in the CG was an important finding in growing kids more economically and reserving goat’s milk for more profitable procedures. According to the diarrhea scores, it was observed that propolis was effective against diarrhea, and it was concluded that it could be used in raising kids as a preventive measure. Feeding kids with the milk substitute was found to be more economical than feeding them with their mother’s milk. As a result of this study, it could be suggested that the use of milk substitutes containing whey and propolis will positively affect the growth, development and health of goat kids.