Kids' survivability as affected by their body weight, blood biochemical indices and maternal and kids' behavior in Baladi and Shami goats under semi-arid condition

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of body weight, blood biochemical parameters and post parturient behavioral activities of goats and their kids on kids' mortality rate in Baladi and Shami breeds during neonatal period. Twenty-five adults does of each breed (average age: 18 months old) were selected during breeding season. All female goats were estrus synchronized and naturally mated. After parturition, one hundred and one kids (39 Baladi and 62 Shami) were followed for up to 30 days of their age. The overall mean birth weights of female kids of Baladi and Shami goats were 2.47 and 2.81 Kg, respectively. For male kids, birth weights were 2.43 and 2.47 kg, respectively. There was no significant difference in average daily gain (g/day) between Baladi and Shami kids during the first 30 days of age. Male kids recorded higher mortality rate than female kids. The percent of death for male and female kids were 87.50% and 36.84% in Shami while, were 33.33% and 14.28% in Baladi respectively. However, death stopped in Baladi kids after 14 days, but continued in Shami kids to 28 days post-partum. Present data revealed that goat breed and neonatal period showed a significant effect on urea concentration and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and insignificant effect on creatinine concentration, alanine transferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides in Baladi and Shami Kids. While aspartate transferase (AST), were not affected by goat breed and was significantly affected by both age of birth and interactions. Baladi breed showed significantly better maternal activity than Shami does as they spend lesser time to concern their newly born kids. Baladi kids had more strong behavior towards their dams when compared to Shami ones. It was concluded that body weight, blood biochemical parameters and Maternal and kid's behavior had notable effect on kid's survivability. Our results might declare superiority of Baladi kids than Shami ones which reflected on the significant reduction of mortality rate in Baladi kids as compared to Shami ones.