Performance Of Goat Kids Research Articles

Role of maternal variables on the development of neonatal hypoglycaemia and influence of neonatal hypoglycaemia on performance of goat kids

The study evaluated the influence of maternal variables (age, body weight and body mass index; BMI) during mating on the development of hypoglycaemia and investigated whether hypoglycaemia at birth impairs thermoregulation, metabolism, body weight gain and immunoglobulin concentration in neonatal goat kids. Post-kidding, the kids born with hypoglycaemia (n = 19) and normoglycaemia (n = 19) were immediately identified and postnatal blood samples, body weight and cardinal physiological variables were determined. Results revealed no significant (P < 0.05) difference in pre-mating maternal variables between dams that kidded hypoglycaemic and normoglycaemic kids. Kids born with hypoglycaemia had lower (P <0.05) blood glucose concentration from birth, until Day 2, when values became comparable between the two groups. Afternoon respiratory and pulse rates were markedly (P < 0.05) unstable in kids born with hypoglycaemia and the early postnatal rise (P < 0.05) in morning rectal temperature in both groups was accompanied by a decrease (P < 0.05) on day 20 in kids born with hypoglycaemia. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in hypoglycaemic kids and the normoglycaemic kids showed marked increase (P < 0.05) in circulating immunoglobulin concentration 24 h after birth, while age had no (P > 0.05) effect in hypoglycaemic kids. A more pronounced decrease (P < 0.05) in weekly weight gain was observed in hypoglycaemic kids. It was concluded that neonatal goat kids born with hypoglycaemia may have compromised thermoregulation, metabolism and body weight gain, and the cause of hypoglycaemia in kids may not be related to pre-mating maternal variables.

Impact of Moringa oleifera Leaves on Nutrient Utilization, Enteric Methane Emissions, and Performance of Goat Kids.

The development of different innovative feed resources for livestock is important to provide the essential nutrients and diminish the emission of greenhouse gases. The purpose of the present experiment was to study the response of replacing concentrate with Moringa oleifera leaves in terms of the nutrient intake, digestibility, enteric methane emissions, and performance of goat kids with a berseem-fodder-based diet under different roughage (R)-to-concentrate (C) ratios. Twenty-four goat kids (3 months of age) were distributed into four groups of six animals each, using a randomized block design (RBD). Kids of Group I (control) were fed a basal diet with 70R:30C without any tree leaf supplementation. Group II kids were fed with 60R:40C, where 10% of the concentrate mix was replaced with Moringa leaf (ML powder). In Group III, kids were fed with 70R:30C with 20% ML replacement. In Group IV, kids were fed with 80R:20C with 20% ML replacement. A metabolic trial was conducted after 180 days of feeding to assess the impact of ML on blood metabolites, antioxidant status, immunity parameters, and enteric methane emissions. The results revealed that dry matter digestibility, organic matter, and NDF were better (p < 0.05) in ML-treated kids (GII and GIII) compared to GI. Feed conversion and average daily gain were also enhanced (p < 0.05) in the treated groups as compared to controls. Total blood protein and albumin were increased in GII and GIII kids compared to GI. Plasma cholesterol levels were decreased (p < 0.001) in GII, GIII, and GIV as compared to GI. Glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase enzyme activities were also enhanced in GII, GIII, and GIV compared to controls. ML supplementation improved cell-mediated immunity and humoral immunity responses in goat kids. Enteric methane emissions decreased in the treated groups as compared to the controls. Moringa oleifera leaf may be used up to the level of 10−20% in concentrate mixes to improve digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, immunity status, and antioxidant activity in goat kids. Supplementation of ML not only enhanced the digestion and health of goat kids, but also decreased their methane emissions.

Potential of waste flowers used as feed additive on the performance of goat kids

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of temple waste flowers as feed additive on the growth of goat kids. Marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers constituted the bulk of WFs with negligible red roses (Rosa indica L). Marigold flowers as compared to rose flowers contained high (P&lt;0.01) total phenols and flavonoids; and low (P&lt;0.01) anthocyanins, saponins and vitamin C content. The in vitro studies revealed that the supplementation of WFs at 3 and 5% improved (P&lt;0.01) digestibility of nutrients and VFAs production as compared to control. NGP at t½ increased (P&lt;0.05) linearly up to 4% WFs supplementation and methane production decreased (P&lt;0.05) at all levels of supplementation. Fifteen Beetal goat kids divided into three equal groups were fed TMR, or TMR supplemented with WFs at 3 or 5% of DM intake for 90 days. The daily DM consumed by the animals was similar in all the groups. The digestibility of proximate constituents at 3% level of WF was comparable with control TMR, but depressed (P&lt;0.05) at 5% level of supplementation. The digestibility of cell wall constituents and N retention were not affected by WF supplementation. The average daily gain in weight was improved considerably. It was concluded that bio-active compounds present in WFs reduced the methane emission, resulting in improvement in nutrient utilization and growth of goat kids.

Performance, digestibility, nitrogen balance and ingestive behaviour of goat kids fed diets supplemented with condensed tannins from

Context Tannins are phenolic compounds derived from secondary plant metabolism that at moderate levels can limit the excessive degradation of the protein in the rumen and provide greater amino acids availability in the small intestine. Aims Two experiments were performed to determine the best level of inclusion of condensed tannins (CT) from Acacia mearnsii extract in the diet of goat kids. An experiment was performed with 32 castrated crossbreed Boer goat kids, with a mean age of 4 months and mean bodyweight (BW) of 19.7 ± 2.05 kg, to measure nutrient intake and performance, and another experiment was developed with 20 Boer goat kids, at 5 months of age and 29.0 ± 2.45 kg BW, in which the digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, microbial protein synthesis, ingestive behaviour and blood urea N were determined. In both experiments, a completely randomised design was used, including CT levels at 0, 16, 32 and 48 g/kg DM. Results DM; crude protein; ether extract; neutral detergent fibre (NDF); non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients intakes, ether extract digestibility; time spent on ruminating, idling or chewing; number of chews per bolus; eating and ruminating rate of DM and NDF; N intake and retained, blood urea N and loin eye area were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by the addition of CT from A. mearnsii extract in the goat kid diets. However, the NDF g/kg BW and BW0.75 intakes and N faecal excretion showed a linear increase (P &lt; 0.05). There was a linear increase trend (P &lt; 0.1) in time spent eating, and a linear decrease on N urinary excretion by CT from A. mearnsii extract inclusion. The digestibility of DM, crude protein, NDF, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients exhibited a linear decrease (P &lt; 0.05) by CT from A. mearnsii extract inclusion. There was a quadratic increase (P &lt; 0.05) in synthesis and microbial efficiency, final BW, average daily gain, total gain, gain:feed ratio, and hot and cold carcass weights and yields. Conclusion The inclusion of CT from A. mearnsii extract up to 17.7 g/kg DM is recommended, as it improves the synthesis and efficiency of microbial production, increasing the gain:feed ratio and performance of goat kids. Implications The use of condensed tannins from A. mearnsii does not affect the nutrient intakes on goat kids’ diet and also improves performance and carcass trait of these animals.

Effect of growth promoters on the chemical composition of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) and tur (Cajanus cajan) straw on goat kid

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of growth promoters with berseem green fodder and tur straw on the performance of goat kids. A sixteen goat kids were selected from the livestock instructional farm, on the basis of nearness to the age and weight. The selected kids were randomly divided in to 4 groups of 4 kids in each treatment. Treatments was control (T1) with Feed as per the standard, Feed as per standards + 3 g Lactobacillus acidophillusper Kg. (T2), Feed as per standards + 3 g Saccharomyces cerevisiae per Kg. (T3), and Feed as per standards + mixture of 1.5g Lactobacillus acidophillus + 1.5g Saccharomyces cerevisiae per Kg. (T4). The chemical composition is therefore one of the index to indicate the nutritive value of feeds. The DM, CP, CF, NFE and Ash content of feed stuff were recorded.

Effect of herbal feed additive containing saponins on the performance of goat kids

This study was taken up to assess the effect of supplementing Macrotyloma uniflorum (an herbal feed additive; HFA) on nutrient utilization, productive performance and meat quality of goat kids. Eight male Beetal goat kids (5 months old; body weight 14.05±0.41 kg) divided in to 2 equal groups were either fed a control total mixed ration (TMR) containing concentrate and green fodder in 50: 50 ratio on DM basis or control TMR supplemented with M. uniflorum @ 2.0% of DM intake for 90 days. Simultaneously, rumen studies were conducted on three rumen fistulated male bucks. Higher total-N, trichloroacetic acid precipitable nitrogen (TCA-N) and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) concentration was observed in strained rumen contents (SRC) of animals fed M. uniflorum supplemented TMR as compared to control. Supplementation of TMR with M. uniflorum increased the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and fermentation efficiency while efficiency of conversion of hexose to methane decreased in M. uniflorum supplemented TMR in comparison to control TMR. Nutrients digestibility, N-retention, urinary excretion of purine derivatives, blood profile and average daily gain were comparable in both the groups. The higher ready to cook (RTC) carcass percentage resulted in higher RTC carcass yield in M. uniflorum supplemented group. Overall, the weight of most of the primal cuts expressed as per cent of dressed weight improved in goat kids fed TMR supplemented with M. uniflorum as compared to those fed control diet. Hence, the higher weight of most of the primal cuts can be achieved in Beetal goat kids by supplementing the TMR with M. uniflorum (kulthi) at 2% of DM intake.

Effect of feeding fresh and frozen rumen fluid on the growth performance of goat kids

ABSTRACT The effect of feeding fresh and frozen rumen fluid on the growth performance was studied in Tellicherry goat kids at Instructional Livestock Farm Complex (ILFC), TANUVAS, Chennai by assessing body weight and average daily gain. Twenty four numbers of Tellicherry goat kids of both sexes at 15 days of age were selected and allotted randomly to the following three treatment groups viz., T1, T2 and T3 equally of eight kids per group. Treatment T2 and T3 were fed with 100 ml fresh and frozen rumen fluid, respectively, once in 3 days for 120 days whereas kids in T1 were treated as control. The final body weight (Kg) and average daily gain (g) recorded in T1, T2 and T3 were 9.57 ± 0.33 and 61.19 ± 3.59, 10.79 ± 0.23 and 72.14 ± 2.90 and 10.69 ± 0.16 and 70.95 ± 1.69, respectively. Kids in the treatment groups T2 and T3 attained significantly (P < 0.01) higher final body weight and higher average daily gain than T1. The results of the study revealed that feeding either fresh or frozen rumen fluid had resulted in improved growth performance.

Performance of Goat Kids Fed Detoxified Castor Bean Meal Based Concentrate Feed Mixtures

In order to study the performance of stall-fed goat kids fed concentrate mixture containing detoxified castor (Ricinus communis) bean meal (CBM), 12 non-descript male goat kids (3–4 months old) were assigned equally in completely randomized design to three concentrate feed mixtures (CFM). The CFM prepared using groundnut cake (GNC) served as the control and the test CFMs were prepared using either 4% lime-treated or 2% salt-treated CBM replacing 100% GNC-protein. All animals received their daily DM requirement in the form of their respective CFM to the extent of 80% of CP requirement while the chaffed finger millet straw was provided ad libitum for 260 days. The DM intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in test diets fed groups than in control. However, no significant difference was observed in ADG and FCR among different groups. The digestibility of proximate principles except CP was lower (P<0.05) in test diets compared to control. However, the digestibility of NDF and ADF as well as the retention of N, Ca and P were similar among different diets. The blood biochemical parameters viz., haemoglobin, SGPT, SGOT, alkaline phosphatase, serum total protein, albumin and globulin at different intervals of the experiment also remained similar among different treatments. The feed cost/kg live weight gain was comparable between different groups. It was inferred that CBM after detoxification can substitute 100% protein of conventional oil cake both nutritionally and economically for chevon production.

Performance of Goat Kids Fed Detoxified Honge (Pongamia glabraVent) Seed Meal Based Concentrate Mixtures

Performance of Goat Kids Fed Detoxified Honge (<i>Pongamia glabra</i>Vent) Seed Meal Based Concentrate Mixtures

Parasitic Loads and Growth Performance of Goats and Kids under Sequential and Mixed Species Grazing with Cattle at a Constant Stocking Rate

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sequential and mixed species grazing on parasitic loads and growth performance of goat kids. The study was conducted between June and October, 2013. Forty eight (48) “Spanish” kids and 28 Brangus calves were randomly divided into four treatment groups; goats grazing alone (GOA, control), Goats Followed by Cattle (GFC), Cattle Followed by Goats (CFG) and, cattle and goats mixed (MXD) grazing. Each pasture was sub-divided into 8 grazing paddocks to facilitate intensive grazing. Each of the 8-ha grazing pasture was sub-divided into two replications and eight paddocks. Animals were moved to a new paddock twice a week (3.5d rotation). The initial stocking rate was based approximately upon 0.8 ha per cow that would allow five cows per replication. Body Weights (BW), body condition score (1=thin, 5=fat, BCS), Famacha© scores (1=pink, healthy eye, 5=white, anemic) and fecal and blood samples were taken bi-weekly. Fecal and blood samples were analyzed in the lab for fecal egg count in eggs per gram (FEC) and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) percentages. Data was statistically analyzed using SAS’s MIXED procedure and correlation coefficients were determined among the measurements. Differences (p

Effects of kefir as a probiotic source on the performance of goat kids

Kefir is a sour, viscous, slightly carbonated and alcoholic milk beverage, which is traditionally fermented using a culture of bacteria and yeasts. The influence of kefir on health has been well studied in mice and rats. However, research on kefir use in ruminants is rather limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of kefir as a probiotic on the performance of goat kids during the pre- (45 days) and post-weaning (45 days) periods. Forty eight kids were randomly allocated to four treatment groups: Control, Kefir, Auto-Kefir (autoclaved) and Probiotic (a commercial probiotic). The kids were weaned at 45 days of age. The supplementation of different probiotics did not have any significant effect throughout the study on live weight and weight gain of the kids as compared to the Control group. Milk intake or milk-based nutrient intake of kids did not differ significantly among treatments in the pre-weaning period. Similarly, the intake of concentrate feed and nutrients from the concentrate was not affected by the treatments during post-weaning. No significant differences in faecal consistency of kids were found among the treatments. The results of the study indicated that supplementation of kefir as a natural probiotic or a commercial probiotic source does not improve performance of goat kids under the conditions in the present study and suggest that new approaches are required for studying the efficacy of this probiotic.

Auswirkungen restriktiver Ernährung auf die Wachstumsleistung von Ziegenlämmern

Abstract. Title of the paper: Impaet of feed restriction on the growth performance of goat kids The influence of differential feeding levels on growth performance in 72 goat kids "Bunte Deutsche Edelziege" during the pre-weaning period was examined. The 72 animals were assigned to a control group and two experimental groups that received respectively 20% and 40% less milk/less concentrate compared to the control (fed at 2.4 times energy demand for maintenance). The experimental gained animals significantly less relative to the control group. However, during the subsequent realimentation period when all animals were fed at a energy level of 2.4 times maintenance same treatment, the daily weight gain among the kids was in inverse proportion to the level ofmilk deprivation in the pre-weaning phase. The rapid growth among the experimental animals was such that the initial differences in body weight between the experimental and control groups were fully compensated. Growth performance of kids with respect to different levels of concentrated feed was less clear cut and d.ffered significantly only behveen the group that received the lowest feed level relative to all the other groups.

Effect of concentration of cold acidified milk replacers, breed and rearing season on the performance of goat kids

Fifty-three kids, born in two seasons, winter and summer, and belonging to two breeds, Saanen and Alpine, were fed diets based on cold acidified milk replacers offered ad libitum, at two concentrations, increasing (from 18 to 23% DM) and fixed (20.6% DM). In the first weeks of the trial, 12 animals were withdrawn because of pathological events in the gastrointestinal tract, mainly due to excess milk ingestion. These cases were observed mainly in the summer, due to higher water requirements during the warm season. Kids performance was not affected by milk concentration and gave satisfactory results. Average daily gain was approx. 200 g/d, dry matter intake 305 g/d, and warm and cold dressing percentages were 65 and 63%, respectively. Limbs and liver, lungs and trachea proportions in empty body weight and carcass length of kids fed a fixed milk concentration were higher ( P<0.05) than those of kids on increasing milk concentrations. In the cold season feed efficiency was better, especially at the end of the trial (1.96 vs. 1.54; P<0.01) and dressing percentages were slightly lower ( P<0.05) than those born in the summer. Alpine kids generally showed a greater adaptability to this rearing system than Saanen kids. In conclusion, the cold acidified milk replacer can be considered a suitable feed for kids. The adoption of a fixed milk concentration reduces labour costs without influencing kids performance. This technique seems to be more adequate during the cold season when kids have a low water intake.