ABSTRACT

A total of 9 in does of the West Africa Dwarf breed in their 2 parity and late gestation period were' used in a 90-day trial to evaluate the influence of concentrate supplementation on kid weight and milk yield and composition. The anih1ls were selected from the university band and randomly divided into.'3' groups of 3 animals A, B, C. Group A was fed sward of forage. of 12.8% CF comprising of Panicum maximum, Penisetum purpuerm, Asphiia africana Aichonia chodifora, Centrosema etc in cafetaria arrangement. Group B and C in addition received supplementary concentrate rations of 14.1% and 15.3% CP, respectively. The concentrate diets were fed at the rate 0.5kg per animal per day and was introduced at 2—weeks pre-partum. The animals were hand milked and yield was determined' for each group daily. Milk samples were analysed daily for lactose and bulked and analysed weekly for total solids (TS), butter fat (BF), crude protein (CP) solids-not-fat (SNF), total, ash and gross energy (GE). The result showed that average birth weight was not influenced by dietary treatments but does sup3iemented with concentrate diet had significantly (P<0.05) higher milk yield and composition relative to those fed forage as sole feed. Average milk yield (g/d) were 39.77; 92.33 and 77.08 for groups. A, B and C, respectively. Similarly, TS and BF in milk were also significantly (P<0.05) 'higher for the supplemented groups. CP lactose and SNF were not influenced by treatments. Dietary treatments however influenced variation in milk compositions of the groups in weeks1, 2 and 3 while milk yield varied consistently within the weeks. ><0.05) higher milk yield and composition relative to those fed forage as sole feed. Average milk yield (g/d) were 39.77; 92.33 and 77.08 for groups. A, B and C, respectively. Similarly, TS and BF in milk were also significantly (P<0.05) <0.05) 'higher for the supplemented groups. CP lactose and SNF were not influenced by treatments. Dietary treatments however influenced variation in milk compositions of the groups in weeks 1, 2 and 3 while milk yield varied consistently within the weeks