Impact of dairy based starter rations on growth performance, feed efficiency and profitability in raising Malabari goat kids

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the impact of skimmed milk powder and dried whey in starter ration on growth, feed efficiency and profitability of pre-weaned Malabari goat kids. Fourteen days old Malabari kids (n=18) were selected and assigned randomly to three treatment groups (T1, T2, T3). Milk was offered upto 90 days of age for T1 and upto 45 days of age for both T2 and T3. Kid starter and green fodder was offered for all the kids. Kids in T1 were fed with conventional starter ration whereas, dairy based starter rations containing dried whey powder and skimmed milk powder (SMP) were offered for kids in T2 (15% whey & 5% SMP) and T3 (10% whey & 10% SMP). The experiment was conducted for a period of four months. Fortnightly body weight and body condition score were recorded. Daily feed intake was recorded. Statistical analysis of data revealed that body weight, average daily gain and body condition score of kids were similar (P>0.05) among groups. The feed conversion ratio of experimental kids was similar (P>0.05) in T1, T2 and T3 groups and the respective values were 3.14±0.14, 3.02±0.24 and 3.27±0.25. The cost per kg gain for groups T2 and T3 was similar, but was significantly lower (P