Effect of different feeding management system on drinking, urinating and sleeping behaviour of Sirohi goat kids

Abstract:

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different feeding management systems on drinking, urinating and sleeping behaviour of Sirohi goat kids. The experiment was carried out at Livestock Research Station, Bojunda, Chittorgarh (Rajasthan) for a period of 90 days. A total of 21 Sirohi goat kids (6 months age) were randomly divided into three groups: extensive (T₁), semi-intensive (T₂) and intensive (T₃), with 7 animals in each group. Behavioural observations were recorded weekly for 24 hours. The results revealed that the average drinking time (min/day) was significantly (p<0.01) higher in T₁ (6.92) and T₂ (6.89) compared to T3 (5.94). Increased drinking behaviour in grazing groups was attributed to higher physical activity and exposure to environmental stress. Urinating behaviour showed non-significant differences among treatments, with pooled mean values of 3.01, 3.01 and 3.04 min/day in T₁, T₂ and T₃ groups, respectively, indicating that feeding system had minimal influence on urination patterns. Sleeping behaviour differed significantly (p<0.01) among groups, with maximum time observed in T₃ (496.19 min/day), followed by T₁ (378.24) and T₂ (375.96). The increased sleeping time in intensive system suggests reduced locomotor activity and a more comfortable, stress-free environment. Overall, the study indicates that feeding management systems significantly influence behavioural patterns of Sirohi goat kids. Extensive and semi-intensive systems promote higher drinking activity, while intensive system enhances resting behaviour. Urination behaviour remains relatively unaffected across systems.