EFFECT OF WEEK OF LACTATION ON CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF MILK AND COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS REARED UNDER DIFFERENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of management systems on weight of does and the chemical composition of West African dwarf goat milk. Animals were reared in three management systems - namely extensive, semi intensive and intensive systems. Eighteen (18) West African dwarf does were divided into three treatment groups with six goats per treatment in a Completely Randomized Design. Concentrate diets were formulated as supplement for the goats in the intensive and semi-intensive systems while roughage was fed as a basal diet. The feeding trial lasted 56 days. Data were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance, and significant means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Week of lactation had significant (p < 0.05) effects on all chemical composition of goat milk and weights of dams. Doe weight (p < 0.05) of 13.98 kg was recorded in semi-intensive system and the lowest (11.00 kg) in extensive system. Cost per kg of feed consumed was highest (p < 0.05) (N191.18) in semi-intensive system and lowest (N208.52) in intensive system. Cost-benefit analysis among management systems was significantly influenced (p < 0.05). The least cost-benefit ratio of 1.125 was recorded for the extensive system while the best cost-benefit ratio of 1.99 was recorded for semi-intensive system. Cost-benefit analysis was better when goats were reared under semi-intensive system. The study concluded that semi-intensive management system improved the weight gain of does and the chemical composition of West African dwarf goat milk.