Growth performance of weaned kids fed pelleted complete diets of different protein and energy levels

An experiment was conducted for assessing the effect of variation in energy and protein levels on the performance of kids. Local kids (12; 147.26±1.82 d old of 16.35±1.05 kg BW) divided into 2 equal groups were fed pelleted complete feed containing either 7% DCP and 60% TDN (CD₁) or 9% DCP and 55% TDN (CD₂) for 150 days. The DM intake as % body weight was significantly (P<0.01) higher in CD₂ as compared to CD₁. The plane of nutrition did not have any significant effect on digestibility of nutrients, N, Ca or P retention. The daily gain in weight and feed conversion efficiency was significantly (P<0.01) higher in CD₂ as compared to CD₁. The rumen liquor and blood biochemical profile revealed significant (P<0.01) variations in the groups for total nitrogen, TCA-N, blood glucose and total serum protein. It was concluded that 60 g average daily gain could be achieved on feeding pelleted complete feed ration containing 9 per cent DCP and 55 per cent TDN under intensive system of management.