Effect of nutritional supplementation on goat kid mortality in southern transition zone of Hassan district in Karnataka

Abstract:

The impact of maternal nutritional supplementation during late pregnancy on the growth performance of does and their kids was studied. Eighteen pregnant non-descript goats of similar age, parity, and body weight were selected and randomly assigned to three treatment groups: T₀ (grazing only), T₁ (grazing + 125 g/day ground maize), and T₂ (grazing + 250 g/day concentrate feed mixture). The supplementation was provided for four weeks prior to the estimated kidding date, with the entire study period spanning eight weeks (28 days pre-partum and 28 days post-partum). Weekly body weights of does and kids were recorded, and data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results revealed no significant differences in average weekly body weights of does among the groups during both pre- and post-partum phases, although cumulative weight gain during late gestation was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in T₁ and T₂. Kids born in T₂ had significantly higher birth weights (P < 0.05) and sustained superior growth over the first four weeks post-kidding (P < 0.01). Cumulative weight gain of kids followed the order T₂ > T₁ > T₀. The positive influence of maternal supplementation was attributed to enhanced nutrient availability supporting fetal development and increased milk production post-partum.