MANAGEMENT INTERVENTIONS IN SMALL HOLDER GOAT REARING SYSTEM
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Date
2011
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COLLEGE OF VETERINARY AND ANIMAL SCIENCES-MANNUTHY,THRISSUR
Abstract
The study was carried out at Vattamkulam Panchayath in, Malappuram
District, Kerala . Fifty number of adult, non-pregnant malabari goats of 7 -15 months of age
having more than 15 kg body weight were selected at random from the goats distributed to
kudumbasree units at Vattamkulam Panchayath by the Animal Husbandry Department, Govt. of
Kerala.
Goats were randomly allotted to 5 groups of 10 each. Experiment was
started with all 50 animals and interventions were made during different stages as mentioned
below till kids were weaned at the age of 3 months.
1st group - Non-pregnant she goats
2
ndgroup - Early pregnancy (1-2 months)
3
rdgroup - Late pregnancy (4-5 month)
4
thgroup - From 24- 48 hours of kidding onwards
5
th group - Control
Management interventions were started in different groups at different
stages of breeding and pregnancy. Interventions made were concentrate feeding with mineral
supplementation, deworming with fenbendazole and vaccination against PPR and FMD.
Initial body weights of all goats were recorded at the time of starting the
experiment. Date of first heat signs was noted .First heat was omitted and natural breeding was
done in the second heat. Breeding was done by good quality Malabari bucks. Date of service and
date of pregnancy diagnosis were recorded. Body weight of all goats was taken at monthly
intervals till weaning of their kids. Average daily weight gain during gestation was calculated.
Serum mineral profile tests of all goats were carried out in all the 4 stages of
study for estimating the levels of calcium, magnesium, copper, cobalt, iron and zinc using
atomic absorption spectrophotometer Perkin Elmer 3110 and that of serum phosphorus by
colorimetry.
The parasitic load of all animals under study was assessed by faecal sample
examination at the beginning and end of the study. Fresh faecal samples were collected per
rectally from the animals. Faecal parasitic ova were detected by floatation technique.
Occurrence of diseases during the period of study was recorded.
After kidding, health status of kids was assessed by observing birth weight,
body weight gain and certain physiological, haematological and biochemical parameters.
Statistical analysis of data showed that the animals which were given
concentrate mixture, mineral supplement, dewormer and vaccines two weeks before breeding
had significantly(P<0.05) higher values for gestational weight gain of does, serum Mg ,P,Cu, Fe,
Zn and Co levels of does, weaning weight, RBC count, Hb, PCV and serum glucose values of
kids.
Hence it is recommended that to maximize production in small holder
production system of Kerala, feeding and health care interventions should be started 2 weeks
before breeding in addition to present management practices.
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