Effects of concentrate supplementation on growth, reproduction and milk yield of Black Bengal goats (Capra hircus)

Abstract

Sixteen female Black Bengal goats (10 ± 0.6 months of age and 11.5 ± 1.3 kg live weight) were divided into four groups having four goats in each. In a completely  randomized design, A, B, C and D were given 150, 200, 250 and 300g concentrate mixture  with ad libitum green grasses. Total dry matter (DM) intake (333.6, 374.7, 416.3 and  456.5g/day in groups A, B, C and D, respectively) was significantly (P<0.01) influenced by  the level of concentrate in the diet. Crude protein (CP) intake (45.2, 57.0, 66.4 and  75.7g/day) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group D and lower in group A. Daily  weight gain of kids did not differ significantly between groups. Feed and protein  conversion efficiency was not significantly influenced by the concentrate level in the diet.  Milk yield was significantly (P<0.01) increased (206.8, 233.4, 359.3 and 374.7 mL/day for  groups A, B, C and D, respectively) with the supplementation of concentrate. It is  suggested to supplement 250g of concentrate daily to female goats in addition to ad libitum roughage. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v29i1.11884 Bangl. vet. 2012. Vol. 29, No. 1, 7-16