Growth and Feed Efficiency of Weaner Kids on Different Feeding Regimes under Intensive System of Rearing

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the performance of growing kids for different forms of concentrate feed under intensive system of production. Eighteen growing male and female kids of about three months of age (BW 6.07±0.31kg) were randomly distributed into three groups on the basis of body weight. The concentrate feed was offered in different forms i.e. mash, pellets and combination of mash and pellets in equal proportion to Tm, Tp & Tmp groups along with fresh green fodder and straw. Intake of concentrate feed, fresh as well as dry fodder were recorded daily and body weight measured at fortnightly interval. The feeding trial was continued for a period of 90 days. Intake of fodder did not differ significantly among the three groups. However significantly lower (p<0.01) feed intake was observed in the animals of Tp group. Mean live weight gain was also significantly higher (p<0.01) in the animals of Tp groups. The digestibility coefficient (%) of various nutrients did not differ significantly (p<0.05) among treatment groups. Significantly lower (p<0.01) cost of production was observed in the animal of Tp group. It may be concluded that feeding concentrate in the form of pellet is most economical in feeding growing kids.