Influence of Concentrate Supplementation on Red Sokoto In-Does and Kid Weights in a Humid Tropical Environment

Select Volume / Issue:

• Volume 1,Issue 1, Nov. 2013

Year:

2013

Type of Publication:

Article

Keywords:

Concentrate, Supplementation, Red Sokoto, Birth Weight, Dam, Kid

Authors:

Ebuzor. C. A.; F. O. Ahamefule

Journal:

IJISM

Volume:

1

Number:

1

Pages:

13-18

Month:

November

Abstract:

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of concentrate supplementation on pre-partum weight of dam and kid birth weight of Red Sokoto goats maintained in a humid tropical environment. Nine in-does were completely randomized into three equal groups – 1, 2 and 3. Each group consisting of three animals were subjected to one of three different nutritional regimen from 9th week pre-partum to 20th week (point of parturition). Animals in group 1 (control) were maintained on forage sward only (Diet A). Group 2 and 3, were in addition, given concentrate supplementation formulated to contain 20.5% of palm kernel cake and bambara nut offal in the concentrate mix respectively. Animals in supplemented groups were fed concentrate diets at 3% of their body weight throughout the trial. Parameters measured included: Dry matter intake (DMI), Average Daily Gain (ADG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of in-does and birth weight of kids. The study revealed significant (P0.05) to 74.41g/d from group 2 but significantly (P, 1.62 and 1.36 were recorded for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Birth weights of 1.48kg, 2.03kg and 2.34kg were obtained from kids of goats in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Concentrate supplemented diets generally supported more weight gain and birth weight of kids. The present study therefore, underscores the relevance of concentrate supplementation of pregnant goats especially at the last lap of pregnancy which will help in the production of heavier kids with better vigor and survival rate which will go a long way to reduce kid mortality and solve the major problem of inadequate supply of animal protein to Nigeria populace.

Full text: IJISM_04.pdf [Bibtex]