Influence of different feed mixtures on the reproductive parameters of does of West African Dwarf and Sahel goats in Bali, Taraba State, Nigeria

Author: Y.E. Waba, S.T. Mbap, D.J.U. Kalla and Y.P. Mancha
ezekielwaba@googlemail.com
Abstract:
The study evaluated the influence of feed on the reproductive parameter of West African Dwarf (WAD) and Sahel goats. A total of 24 doe goats of the two breeds were used for the experiment as 2x3x4 factorial design. They were fed Gmelina arborea leaves and cassava peel meal, Gmelina and cowpea husk, Ficus sycamores and cassava peel meal and, Ficus and cowpea husk as experimental treatments, designated T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The average age at first oestrus, oestrus period, oestrous length, gestation period, age at first kidding and postpartum dam weight for WAD were 41.08 weeks, 37.50 hours, 20.25 days, 144.35 days, 15.92 months, and 7.67 kg, respectively. The corresponding values for Sahel goat were 41.75 weeks, 29.00 hours, 20.17 days, 142.83 days, 15.83 months, and 11.36 kg, respectively. Age at first oestrus, oestrous and gestation lengths, and age at first kidding did not differ significantly among breeds. Oestrus period and postpartum dam weight varied significantly (P<0.05) with breed. Similarly, age at first oestrus, oestrus period and length did not vary with diet, whereas gestation period, age at first kidding and postpartum weight varied significantly (P<0.05) with diets. Diets containing cassava peel meal had longest gestation period and age at first kidding, while those containing cowpea husk had higher postpartum dam weight. It was concluded that for shorter gestation length and age at first kidding, and corresponding increase in postpartum dam weight, the feeding of cowpea husk with browse is recommended over the inclusion of cassava peal meal.

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Key Words: Feed, reproductive parameter, Ficus, Gmelina, does
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