Effects of strategic feed supplementation during pregnancy on birthweight and perinatal survival of West African Dwarf kids

Abstract

SummaryVaried quantities of concentrate supplement were fed to three groups of pregnant West African Dwarf (WAD) goats at different gestational periods, while forage was provided ad libitum throughout pregnancy. One group (A) was fed on concentrate at the rate of 50 g/kg metabolic weight (W0·75) per day throughout pregnancy, a second group (B) was offered concentrate from Days 61 to 120, and 121 to term at the rate of 50 g and 25 g/kg metabolic weight per day, respectively, and a third group (C) was provided with concentrate from Days 61 to 120 and 121 to term at the rate of 25 g and 50 g/kg metabolic weight per day, respectively.Results showed that there were no abortions, although two animals from group A had dystocia (difficult birth). There was no significant difference between the mean birthweight and neonatal growth rates of kids from groups A and B. The mean birthweight and neonatal growth rates of the kids from group C were significantly (P < 0·01) lower than those of groups A and B. There was no significant (P >0·05) difference between the mean udder circumference of animals in group C and those in groups A and B. All the neonatal deaths were recorded among the kids in group C. It is concluded that for economic animal production although it may not be necessary to feed pregnant WAD goats on high concentrate rations throughout the gestational period, they should not be underfed between Days 61 and 120 of pregnancy.