EFFECT OF BREED ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF INTENSIVELY MANAGED GOATS PRE AND POST PARTURITION

Abstract

The study investigated effect of breed on growth performance of intensively managed goats during pregnancy and within 24hours after kidding. A total of forty five (45) goats which comprised of 15 Kalahari Red (KR), 15 KalaWAD (KW) and 15 West African Dwarf (WAD) were fed known quantities of concentrate diet and Congo grass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) in a split form. The study lasted for 162 days after mating. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using General Linear Model as
contained in Minitab® 17.1.0. Significance level was taken at 5% probability, while significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test of same statistical package. Results obtained revealed that KW compared favourably with KR in almost all the parameters taken. KR had highest significant (p<0.05) values for all the intakes  such as grass (99.70g/day), concentrate (867.10g/day) and total feed (966.80g/day). Similarly, KR recorded highest significant (p<0.05) values for all the weight gains such asgross (14.78kg), net (9.55kg) and daily less foetal and afterbirth weight (64.15g/day) compared to others.
The values for the parameters were followed by KW, while least values were recorded for WAD. Breed had no significant (p>0.05) effect on feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio of the pregnant goats. It could be concluded that growth performance during pregnancy and shortly after kidding was influenced by breeds of goats, where Kalahari Red goats performed better. The results also revealed that KalaWAD was on a par with Kalahari Red goats for growth performance.