Male Kids Research Articles

Meat production traits of Angora goats. 2. Meat quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of meat from intact and castrated kids

Context In Turkey, meat production contributes much more income than mohair production in Angora goat farming. Castration is expected to alter the meat quality depending on the slaughter weight. Aims This study was designed to determine the quality characteristics and fatty acid composition of meat from intact and castrated male Angora goat kids slaughtered at different liveweights. Methods Forty-eight single male Angora goat kids (24 intact, 24 castrated) were slaughtered at three slaughter weights (20, 25 and 30 kg) after being fattened intensively. Response variables were meat physical quality characteristics, chemical composition, total cholesterol and fatty acid profile. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model procedure. Key results Colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, C* and H*), pH, water-holding capacity and cooking loss were significantly (P < 0.001) influenced by time post-slaughter. Castration did not affect (P > 0.05) these properties. L* values decreased (P < 0.001) as slaughter weight increased. With increasing slaughter weight, meat expressed less water and cooking losses were higher (P < 0.001). Warner–Bratzler shear force increased (P < 0.05) with slaughter weight. Castration affected meat chemical composition: moisture percentage decreased (P < 0.001), and protein and fat increased (P < 0.01). Similarly, protein and fat contents of the meat increased and moisture decreased with increasing slaughter weight (P < 0.001). With increasing slaughter weight, intramuscular fat of the longissimus thoracis muscle showed increased polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.01) and ratios of polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids (P < 0.001) and n-6/n-3 (P < 0.05), and decreased thrombogenic and atherogenic indexes (P < 0.001). Total unsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio was higher and atherogenic index lower following castration (P < 0.05). Conclusions Castration of Angora male kids did not affect meat quality, but increased protein and intramuscular fat content of the longissimus thoracis muscle. Increasing slaughter weight positively influenced fatty acid composition pertinent to human health, but some measures indicated poorer meat quality. Implications Castration and slaughter weight did not greatly affect meat quality except for improvements in fatty acid percentages.

Evaluation of growth parameters and body condition score on weaning stages of Saanen goats.

There are three objectives in this study; 1) to measure the live weight of pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids; 2) to determine the growth curves between males and females pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids; and 3) to analyze the body condition score (BCS) between male and female pre-and post-weaning kids. This study included pre-weaning kids aged 1 month, as well as post-weaning kids aged 3-6 months. 10 pre-weaning purebred Saanen kids (n = 5 male and n = 5 female) and 20 post-weaning Saanen kids (n = 10 male and n = 10 female) were employed in this investigation. Pre-and post-weaning kids' live weights were assessed weekly on a weighing scale, and BCS was calculated based on their body frame. In the data analysis, the two-sample t-test with Minitab Software was utilized. The findings revealed that pre-weaning Saanen kids gained weight steadily from week 1 to week 6, with males being heavier than females. The p-value, on the other hand, suggested that there was no difference in live weight between pre-weaning male and female Saanen kids. Over 6 weeks of sampling, the male had a larger proportion of live weight gain (80%) than the female (75%). Meanwhile, the BCS of pre-weaning Saanen kids grew from week 1 to week 6. It is critical to account for the development of muscle mass while still evaluating the fat cover to determine whether the kids are maintaining an adequate BCS. However, the live weight of post-weaning kids was inconsequential because they were still in the growing phase. As a result, from the 1st to 6th week, post-weaning kids' body weight and BCS increased as their growth progressed. After 6 weeks of sampling, females had a higher percentage of live weight than males. This is because the kids raised on the farm do not have complete control over the environmental effects. Over 6 weeks of sampling, female post-weaning Saanen kids grew a slightly higher percentage of live weight (88%) than males (85%). This study conducted a direct assessment study, which monitored and determined the live weight and BCS of pre-and post-weaning Saanen kids. Pre-weaning kids' average values of live weight were calculated as insignificant at the age of 1 month. The mean live weight is most affected by milk consumption from its mothers, the management of the farm, and the environment. For the post-weaning Saanen kids, the females have a slightly higher average live weight gained for 6 weeks than the males (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the live weight changes of Saanen kids during the weaning stages are independent of the BCS.

Concurrent arhinia and choanal atresia in a day old male kid

Arhinia is a congenital nasal developmental anomaly that is seldom reported in literature, and especially not reported in domestic animals. This report describes a case of concurrent occurrence of congenital arhinia and choanal atresia in a day-old male kid which had no external nares with the nasal bones fused together with the nasal processes of the premaxillae presententing as a conical shaped rhinal structure with a tapering rostral apex and an occluded nasal vestibule. A bilateral osseous choanal atresia was also seen at the pharynx. Additionally, craniofacial and brain anomalies presented in this condition with right lateral deviation of the face and the absence of olfactory apparatus including olfactory bulbs, tracts and nerves and a vestigial trigonum olfactorium were noted. This, to the best of our knowledge is the first report in the literature indexed in the Medline of concurrent occurrence of congenital arhinia and choanal atresia in a goat.

Effect of yellow sweetclover (Melilotus officinalis) hay compared with Lucerne (Medicago sativa) hay on carcass characteristics and meat quality of male goat kids.

Melilotus officinalis is a plant that grows naturally in northwestern Morocco and could become a promising alternative. The study was carried out to investigate the effects of M. officinalis hay on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of goat kids in northern Morocco compared to Medicago sativa. Eighteen 3-month-old male "Beni Arouss" goat kids have been divided similarly into two groups. The control group (Luc) received lucerne hay, and the test group (YSClov) received yellow sweetclover hay, both supplemented with concentrate. Average daily gain and dry matter intake were determined during the experiment. After 99 days, goat kids were weighed, and carcass characteristics were determined. Meat quality was evaluated using samples from the semimembranosus (SM) and longissimus thoracis muscles. The addition of YSClov significantly increased ash content (p < 0.001) and fat content (p < 0.01), reduced water holding capacity (p < 0.01), and SM pH 24 (p < 0.05). The YSClov meat was significantly more tender than the Luc meat, with corresponding values of 8.20 and 11.80 kg/cm2 (p < 0.05), while the Luc meat was more tender when cooked. No significant effect was found for the other parameters. The YSClov meat is richer in desirable fatty acids (DFA), while the Luc meat appears to be richer in omega-3 DFA(p < 0.01). Melilotus officinalis hay showed promising results in intramuscular fat, protein content, tenderness, DFA content, and similar growth performance compared to conventional feeds.

Effect of Dietary Incorporation of Moringa oleifera Leaves on Haemato-biochemical Parameters of Marwari Goat Kids

Moringa oleifera is considered as a miracle tree due to the presence of abundant nutrients, high protein biological value, and good feeding effects. As a new protein feedstuff, Moringa oleifera has great potential in alleviating the feeding crisis in animal feeding system. To explore the beneficial properties and practical utility of Moringa oleifera tree leaves, the present study had been performed on 12 male Marwari goat kids, randomly distributed in to two groups control and treatment. Kids were fed on ground nut straw based complete feed, whose composition was kept similar in both the groups except the incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaves in the diet of treatment group, at the level of 15% of complete feed as a replacement of equal proportions of cotton seed cake. A feeding trial of ninety days was conducted to observe the effect of supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaves on haematobiochemical parameters of experimental kids. Blood samples were collected at monthly intervals and analyzed by UV spectrophotometer. The study reported no significant difference of Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation on haemato-biochemical parameters of experimental kids. The study concluded that the Moringa oleifera leaves can be used in the diet of goats up to 15% level of incorporation.

Influence of amla (Emblica officinalis L.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L.) supplementation on haemato-biochemical profile in Goat kids

This study aimed at ascertaining the effect of amla (Emblica officinalis L.) fruit powder and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed supplementation on haemato-biochemical profile of growing goat kids. For this, 24 healthy uncastrated male kids (age: 4–6 m; mean body weight: 7.49 ± 1.04 kg) were distributed into four groups of six each through a randomized block design. All the kids were fed with a basal diet comprising of concentrate mixture and wheat straw in proportion of 60:40. Additionally, the ration of the kids of group T1 contained no supplement (control), whereas, those of groups T2, T3 and T4 contained 3% amla, 3% fenugreek, and 1.5% amla plus 1.5% fenugreek seeds, respectively on a dry basis. Results of 240 days of feeding trial revealed that haematological parameters measured as haemoglobin and packed cell volume as well as blood metabolites such as glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase did not differ across various dietary treatments. Therefore, it was concluded that supplementation of amla and fenugreek did not influence any of the analysed blood parameters related to energy, protein and fat metabolism, and thus proving safe for use as natural feed additives in goat husbandry.

INGUINOSCROTAL SWELLINGS IN CHILDHOOD: A CLINICO-DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH TO DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

BACKGROUNDS: Inguinoscrotal illnesses are one of the commonest gathering of problems seen in clinical careful practice. A wide scope of swellings are found around here in youngsters and incorporates hydrocele, twist testis, ectopic testis, lymphadenopathy, inguinal hernias, sores, epididymitis, orchitis, cancers and so on Careful clinical and radiological assessment of inguinoscrotum for changing infections helps in appropriate determination and careful administration of its differential analysis. METHOD: The current review was directed as an observational review over a time of 10 months and enlisted a sum of 50 patients. RESULTS: In this review, 31 cases had hydrocele, 14 cases had inguinal hernia, 2 cases had epididymorchitis, 2 cases had lymphadenopathy and one case had idiopathic scrotal edema. Individual sicknesses had changing introductions, clinical discoveries and post-usable discoveries. CONCLUSIONS: There is a shifting wide range of swellings in the inguinoscrotal area in youthful male kids. It was inferred that legitimate clinical and radiological assessment of the patient serves to opportune analyze the sickness and henceforth help in distinguishing right way to deal with the administration of the case.

Effect of protected protein on growth performance and morphometric traits in gaddi male kids

Effect of protected protein on growth performance and morphometric traits in gaddi male kids

Determination of the Optimum Fattening Period and Fattening Performance Slaughter and Carcass Characteristics of Hair Goat and Saanen × Hair Goat (G1) Crossbred Kids Fattened in Different Systems

This research was carried out to investigate the fattening performance and slaughter and carcass characteristics of Hair goat and Saanen × Hair goat (G1) crossbred kids in different fattening systems. Thirty Hair goats and 30 Saanen × Hair goat (G1) crossbred singleton male kids 2.5-3 months old and weaned were used. The kids were fattened in three different systems: intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive. Marginal value analysis was applied to determine the optimum feeding periods of the kids. In order to determine the slaughter and carcass characteristics, all the kids fattened were taken to slaughter after determining their live weight at the end of the fattening. Live weight gains after the intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive fattening were 17.83 kg, 19.39 kg, and 18.29 kg in the Hair goat kids and 17.88 kg, 18.24 kg, and 17.32 kg in the Saanen × Hair goat (G1) crossbred kids, respectively. In the same order, the average concentrate feed consumed by kids for 1 kg live weight gain was 7.55 kg, 7.28 kg, 7.00 kg and 7.07 kg. Hot carcass weights after the intensive, semi-intensive, and extensive fattening were 13.58, 14.06, and 13.02 kg in the Hair goat kids and 14.21, 15.03, and 14.06 kg in the Saanen × Hair goat (G1) crossbred kids. The Saanen × Hair goat (G1) crossbred goats increased more in live weight than the Hair goat kids and the semi-intensive fattened goats increased more in live weight than the intensive and extensive fed goats. Moreover, the optimum fattening times generally varied between the groups, but not between genotypes within the group.

Sugarcane bagasse or elephant grass hay in diets for goats: Performance, feeding behavior and carcass characteristics

Background: Novel feeding strategies should be developed to produce high-quality meat in current goat production systems. Objective: To evaluate the effects of castration and the association of spineless cactus with sugarcane bagasse or elephant grass hay on nutrient intake, digestibility, performance, feeding behavior and carcass traits of feedlot kids. Methods: A total of 24 male kids (12 castrated and 12 intact), with an average initial weight of 18.5 ± 3.8 kg were allotted to a completely randomized 2 x 2 factorial design (sugar cane bagasse or elephant grass hay; intact or castrated), and confined for 70 days. Results: Nutrient intake and animal performance were similar between treatments. Sugarcane bagasse increased, when compared to elephant grass hay, the digestibility of dry matter (66.12 vs 62.88; p=0.005), crude protein (74.26 vs 70.95; p=0.029) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (91.94 vs 83.07; p&lt;0.001). The forage source affected the time spent resting, ruminating and total chewing time, but there was no effect of diet on feeding and rumination efficiencies. Elephant grass hay increased, when compared to sugarcane bagasse, hot carcass weight (9.87 vs 10.79; p=0.025) and hot carcass yield (43.81 vs 46.87; p=0.013). Intact kids produced heavier hot carcasses when compared with castrated kids (10.80 vs 9.86; p=0.014). Conclusion: Feeding intact or castrated kids with sugar cane bagasse or elephant grass hay do not affect nutrient intake and performance. Feedlot goats have improved carcass traits if kept intact and fed elephant grass hay.

Research on the Growth of Kids in Goat Breeding with Good Flock Management

This study was carried out to demonstrate the effect of "Good Flock Management" on the growth characteristics of goats. Studies conducted in the province of Burdur in Turkey under "Focused District Development Project". Goat flocks were in Beşkavak village which was selected as a model village, were used in the study. The study was carried out in 2019 in two goat flocks. The birth weights of the male and female kids were determined as 4.04 kg and 3.58 kg and 4.09 kg and 3.52 kg respectively for the first and second flock. On the90th day of the first and second flock, the live weight values of male and female kids were determined as 17.68 kg and 14.17 kg and 19.81kg and 16.94 kg respectively. Single born kids’ live weight value on the 90th day in flock 1 determined as 15.85 kg.

Steroid hormonal endpoints in goats carrying single or twin fetuses reared in semi-extensive systems

The study provides baseline data regarding 17--estradiol (E), progesterone (P), and cortisol profile of 30 Nicastrese goats during different physiological periods. Animals were evaluated monthly from the pre-mating period (non-pregnant), during pregnancy, and from 30 to 105 d of lactation. The effects of single or twin births and the kid's sex were also considered. Serum E, P, and cortisol concentrations were measured using immunoenzymatic assay kits. The highest concentrations of E and P () were found during pregnancy and their lowest values () in the non-pregnant period. E was negatively correlated with P (; ) during lactation. The mothers with twin kids showed the highest concentration of P () at 95–115 d of gestation and the lowest of E () at 50–70 d of lactation. Pregnant goats carrying male kid(s) presented the highest E concentrations () at 130–150 d of gestation. Different physiological conditions induced a temporal relationship with the endocrine profile in Nicastrese goats. Understanding the effects of single or twin fetuses on the gestation and lactation will also be helpful to improve the managemental approach for the health of mothers and their kids.

Bacillus spp.-fermented mixture in goat starter diets on growth performance, blood, and carcass and gastrointestinal traits

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating Bacillus spp.-fermented mixture (FM; 55% soybean meal and 45% feather meal) in the starter feed of goat kids, specifically its effects on growth performance, blood profile, carcass characteristics, and gastrointestinal traits; the FM protein profile was also evaluated. Seventy-five four-week-old male dairy goat kids were randomly assigned to three different starter diet groups containing B, D, or J strains of 5% Bacillus spp. FM (BG, DG, and [...]

Weaning rate, birth weight, and weaning weight of Jawarandu and Boer crossbreed goat from naturally serviced and artificially inseminated does

Two types of mating had been practiced in the crossbreed of Jawarandu does and Boer buck that produced Boerja goat, the natural service and artificial insemination. This study aimed to compare the weaning rate, birth weight, and weaning weight of offspring from both mating methods and analyze the different birth and weaning weights on different sex and birth type. A total of 271 kids were born from naturally serviced (NS) and artificially inseminated (AI) does (221 and 50, respectively). All kids were managed in the same condition. The number of kid died pre-weaning, birth weight, and weaning weight were recorded and analyzed. The result showed that the weaning rate of AI kids was significantly higher than NS kids. The birth and weaning weights of kids from both groups were not significantly different. Male and single kids had heavier birth and weaning weights than female and twin kids. Overall, the survival rate of AI kids until weaning is better than NS kids. The birth and weaning weight in NS and AI are not different but male and single kids are heavier than female and twin kids in both groups.

EFFECT OF SUBCUTANEOUS ZERANOL IMPLANTS ON MEAT QUALITY OF AWASSI LAMBS AND CROSS-BRED KHALKHALI AND ABADEH GOAT KIDS

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects zeranol implant on meat quality of Awassi lambs and cross-bred Khalkhali and Abadeh goat kids. Ten ram lambs (33.7 ± 0.5 kg and 4-month-old) and ten male goat kids (18.8 ± 0.7 kg and 4-month-old) were randomly assigned into two treatments (5 each treatment); C (control, 0 mg zeranol) and Z (24 mg zeranol implant) for each species. After 43 days experimental period. The animals were slaughtered, left for 24 hr post-mortem period and Biceps femoris muscle of each species were separated for measuring the proximal composition, TBARS values, cooking loss, drip loss and free fatty acids concentrations. Zeranol implants had significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on dry matter, but did not have any effect on all other meat characteristics. However, dry mater was significantly higher for zeranol-implanted group as compared with control one. Moreover, significant effect of animal species was found for cooking loss, being highest in goat meat than ram lamb meat. Similarly, significant effect of animal species was noticed on TBARS values being highest in ram lamb meat. An obvious increase (P&lt;0.005) in drip loss and TBARS values were observed for meat of both zeranol-implanted and non-implanted groups with storage period. It can be concluded that zeranol implant did not have any effect on meat quality for both ram lambs and male goat kids’ meat.

Perspectives for Buck Kids in Dairy Goat Farming.

To start milk production, dairy goats need to give birth at least once. While most female kids are reared to become the next generation of dairy goats, only a small proportion of male kids (buck kids) are reared with reproduction aims. The market for buck kid meat, especially within Northern European countries, is currently relatively small compared to the number of bucks born. Therefore, the purposes for buck kids are limited and a substantial proportion of buck kid meat is used for pet food. Due to the limited economic value of buck kids, farmers are faced with a dilemma. Although raising bucks costs more money than it yields, the birth of kids is a prerequisite for production of milk and should be seen as an investment for business-wise healthy dairy goat farming. In that perspective, dairy goat farmers have an ethical responsibility toward buck kids, as well. In this paper, we compare various scenarios of dealing with the issue of surplus male animals. We provide recommendations for the rearing of buck kids based on the sector‘s experience and current practice in the Netherlands. Reducing the number of surplus (male) offspring, e.g., by an optimized prolonged lactation management and/or by artificial insemination with sex-sorted semen, could alleviate the issue of low value buck kids. Killing surplus animals before or directly after birth, on the other hand, is met with increasing societal scrutiny. Initiatives to propagate a market for buck kid meat for human consumption are important to enable a suitable and sustainable production system. To maintain the health and welfare of goat kids, amongst other factors, sufficient and good quality colostrum, milk, and an appropriate diet as they grow older, needs to be provided. One option to assure the safeguarding of health and welfare of all goat kids are quality assurance schemes for milk production. These schemes make dairy farmers accountable for the health and welfare of all kids in the rearing period, including the provision of colostrum and adequate care for newborn buck kids. We conclude that the combination of reducing the number of surplus kids, increasing the demand for goat products, and quality assurance schemes that may help to safeguard the welfare of buck kids.

Growth and Slaughter Characteristics of Weaning Male Kids of Turkish Native Goat Breeds.

Simple SummaryThe carcass characteristics of Turkish native goat breeds are affected by the rearing conditions after weaning. This study aimed to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of male kids from Angora, Hair, Honamlı, and Kilis breeds at weaning age to eliminate the impact of rearing conditions. Honamlı kids had higher birth weight, daily weight gain, carcass weights (hot–cold), and yields (hot–cold) than those of other breeds (p < 0.05). Therefore, the Honamlı breed could be used as a fattening material genotype due to its superior carcass characteristics compared to other Turkish native breeds.There is little knowledge about the carcass potential of Turkish native goat breeds raised under different rearing conditions. It is necessary to compare the carcass characteristics of these breeds to minimize the effect of the rearing conditions. Therefore, this study aims to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of male kids at weaning age to eliminate the impact of rearing conditions. Kids born to Angora (n = 6), Hair (n = 6), Honamlı (n = 6), and Kilis (n = 6) Turkish native goat breeds, ranging in age from 2–3 years, were slaughtered at 90 days of weaning age and carcass characteristics were determined immediately. There were differences (p < 0.05) among breeds in terms of birth weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG) from birth to weaning age. Honamlı kids had higher BW and DWG than those of other breeds (p < 0.05). Similarly, carcass weights (hot–cold) and yields (hot–cold) of Honamlı kids were higher compared to kids born to other breeds (p < 0.05). Additionally, Honamlı and Hair kids had higher longissimus-dorsi (LD), and semitendinosus (ST) muscle weights compared to Kilis and Angora kids. Interestingly, Kilis kids had lower BW and DWG than those of other breeds (p < 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) among breeds in terms of non-carcass parts and organ weights. Positive correlations were calculated between cross-sectional area and weight (r = 0.793; p < 0.01), length and weight (r = 0.723; p < 0.01), and depth and weight (r = 0.698; p < 0.01) in LD muscle of all kids. A similar correlation trend was calculated for the ST muscle (cross-sectional area and weight; r = 0.699; p < 0.01, length and weight; r = 0.751; p < 0.01, and depth and weight; r = 0.528; p < 0.05) in all kids. In conclusion, the present study results showed that Honamlı kids could be used for fattening material due to their good carcass quality compared to other native breeds.

Evaluation of resistance to gastrointestinal helminth nematodes in two naturally infected indigenous Nigerian goat breeds.

Tropical goat breeds often have at least modest resistance to gastrointestinal nematode parasites (GIN), but enhancement of GIN resistance is important for breed improvement. This study compared changes in fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume, and body weight in Red Sokoto (RS) and Sahelian (SH) male and female weaner kids and adult goats. The RS is found throughout Nigeria, but the SH is found only in the arid Sahel. Goats were evaluated fortnightly for 20 times (MT) under normal grazing conditions and natural GIN infection over 9.5months, beginning in the dry season (November) and ending at the end of the subsequent wet season (August). Animals were dewormed at the start of the study and during the rainy season (MT 18). Breed differences in FEC and PCV were not observed in weaners. Weaner females had lower FEC than males but were rapidly re-infected after deworming, perhaps in association with attainment of puberty. Adult SH goats of both sexes had lower FEC than RS goats in MT 8 through 17, suggesting a stronger acquired immune response. The FEC in lactating females of both breeds increased rapidly after deworming, to ≥ 3000 eggs per gram of feces at MT 19 and 20. The optimal time to evaluate GIN resistance in weaners was during the early rainy season, but the decision to focus on the initial high FEC near MT 15 or wait until mobilization of the acquired immune response near MT 17 requires further consideration.

Effect of herbal feed additives on intake, rumen fermentation, availability of nutrients and energetic efficiency of feeds in Barbari kids reared under confined condition

Weaned male Barbari kids (24) were divided equally into three groups (T1, T2 and T3) to investigate the effect of supplementation of herbal feed additives in the complete pelleted feed on intake of nutrients, rumen fermentation, availability of nutrients and energetic efficiency under stall-fed condition during an eight months feeding trial. Treatments were T1, Concentrate mixture (40%) plus arhar (Cajanus cajan) straw (60%) in Total Mixed Ration (TMR) form fed ad lib.; T2, Concentrate mixture (40%) plus arhar straw (60%) in Complete Feed Pellets form fed ad lib.; T3, Concentrate mixture (40%) plus arhar straw (60%) in Complete Feed Pellets form supplemented with herbal mixture (four herbs; Tulsi: Haldi: Amla: Arni, ratio 1:1:1:1 on DM basis) @ 0.5% in complete feed fed ad lib. Rumen fermentation pattern was studied at 3rd and 25th weeks of experimental feeding. A metabolism trial was conducted at the last phase of the experiment. During metabolism trial, DMI (g)/kg W0.75 and CPI (g)/kg W0.75 was greater in kids under T3 and T2 than T1. Pelleted complete feed supplemented with phytogenic feed additives resulted greater total VFA (mmol/dl SRL) concentration in rumen liquor of kids under T3 than TMR fed kids (T1) at three weeks of experimental feeding. The concentration of NH3-N (mg/dl SRL) was depressed significantly in T3 at 3rd and 25th weeks of feeding; T1 showed highest values during both periods. TDN intake (g)/kg W0.75 and Digestible Energy intake (MJ)/kg W0.75 were increased significantly in T3 and T2 than T1. DCP intake (g)/kg W0.75 was also higher in T2 and T3 than T1. Similarly, N-balance (g)/kg W0.75 increased significantly in T3 and T2 than T1. Therefore, it may be concluded that densification of feeds in the form of complete pelleted feed (T2) and further supplementation (@ 0.5% in the complete feed) with herbal mixture (Amla, Haldi, Arni and Tulsi=1:1:1:1 on DM basis) (T3) increased the intakes of DM, TDN, digestible energy and protein; enhanced rumen fermentation pattern, and increased N-balance in finisher Barbari kids.

Influence of pre and postpartum maternal body condition score on the growth of Neuquén Criollo kids

In Neuquén Criollo goat production systems, the sale of goat kids for slaughter is the main source of income. Marketing kids weighing at least 14 kg live weight before 90 days of age improves economic returns due to better meat quality, while also reducing doe lactation requirements and subsequent pressure on grazing land. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) in does from the Neuquén Criollo breed during the last third of gestation and lactation, on subsequent kid survival, birth weight and growth rate. Thus, two groups of does were penned and fed at two distinct nutritional levels during the last third of gestation and lactation period: High Condition Score (BCS3) and Medium Condition Score (BCS2), to maintain a BCS of 3 and 2, respectively. Kids remained with their dams without nutritional supplementation from birth to weaning. The results indicated that BCS of the dam contributed substantially in the kids’ live weight (LW) in different stages: at birth (BW), at slaughter (50 days of age = 50D) and at weaning, (90 days of age = 90D) and these differences were maintained during rearing (220 days of age = 220D). The single and twin male goat kids of the BCS3 group reached slaughter weight (15.16 ± 0.08 and 14.15 ± 0.51 kg, respectively) at 50 days of age (50D), whereas male kids from the BCS2 group did not reach slaughter weight in an equivalent timeframe. Furthermore, the single and twin female goat kids born from BCS3 group between 50 and 90 days of age doubled in weight compared to those born from the BCS2 group. Consequently, single and twin female kids born from BCS3 group only reached 17.52 ± 0.12 kg and 15.52 ± 0.43 L W, respectively, in the first breeding season (220D). Results highlight the need for supplementation management strategies to increase does’ BCS during gestation and lactation; in order to improve kids’ BW, reduce kid mortality and to ensure target slaughter weights are achieved before 2 months of age. Developing early supplementation strategies in the last stage of lactation before weaning and in the rearing period post-weaning may increase survival and anticipate the reproductive age of female kids.