ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to investigate the influence ol' concentrate supplementation oii f)FC- partum weight of dam and kid birth weight of Red Sokoto goats maintained in a humid tropical environment. Nine in-does were completely randomized into three equal groups — 1, 2 and 3 Each group consisting of three animals were subjected to one of' three different nutritional regimen from 9th week pre-partum to 20th week (point of' parturition). Animals in group (control) were maintained on forage sward only (Diet A). Group 2 and 3, were in addition, given concentrate supplementation formulated to contain 20.5% of palm kernel cake and Bambara nut offal in the concentrate mix respectively. Animals in supplemented groups were fed concentrate diets at 3% of their body weight throughout the trial. Parameters measured included: Dry matter intake (DM1), Average Daily Gain (ADG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) of in-does and birth weight of kids. The study revealed significant (P<0.05) effects of supplementation on ADG, FCR and birth weight of kids. ADG values ranged from 26. 1 9g/d — 101. 1 9gld. 1-lighest value o' 101.l9gld was obtained from group 3 which was similar (P>0.05) to 74.4 lg/d from group 2 bui. significantly (P<0.O5) higher than 26.l9gld of groups 1. FCR of' 5.53, 1.62 and 1.36 were recorded for groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. l3irth weights of' 1.48kg, 2.03kg and 2.34kg were obtained from kids of goats in groups I, 2 and 3 respectively. Concentrate supplemented dick generally supported more weight gain and birth weight of kids. The present study therclbrc, underscores the relevance of concentrate supplementation of' pregnant goats especially at the last lap of pregnancy which will help in the production of heavier kids with better vigor and survival rate which will go a long way to reduce kid mortality and solve the major problem of inadequate supply ot'animal protein to Nigeria populace.