INFLUENCE OF FEED ON DAM PERFORMANCE AND POSTPARTUM IMPACT ON KIDS GROWTH PERFORMANCE AT THE FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC BALI TARABA STATE

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of feed on the performance of WAD and Sahel doe goats during postpartum and its impact on kids growth rate. Twenty-four (24) pregnant does were used for the experiment. The dams were randomly distributed into four treatments and were fed twice daily in the morning and evening at 0800 h and 17:00 h respectively. Weight (kg) and linear measurement (cm) of the dams and kids were taken on weekly basis Weights of kids were taken 8hrs after birth, while weighing of dams commenced 20 days postpartum. All the variables observed had significant (P<0.01) influence on postpartum weight gain of does. In conclusion postpartum weight gain and other body measurements had considerable differences with all the variables.