Effect of different creep rations on the growth of Malabari pre-weaner kids

The pre-weaning growth response to feeding creep ration-I, supplemented with soy bean and gingelly oil cake as a protein source (T²) and creep ration-II, supplemented with poultry carcass meal as the main protein source (T₃) were compared to suckling (T₁) in Malabari kids from 2^nd to 12^th weeks of age. The total weight gains were 7.25, 8.24 and 10.87 kg and average daily gains were 34.57, 46.85 and 78.57 g in T¹, T² and T³, respectively. They were significantly (P<0.01) different among the kids fed creep rations. The feed conversion ratio was significantly (P<0.01) higher in T₃ (3.14: 1) and T² (4.40: 1) as compared to T¹ (4.62: 1). The cost of live weight gain (per kg) was significantly (P<0.01) lower in T³ (Rs. 100.12) while it was higher in T² (Rs. 143.83) followed by T¹ (Rs. 129.10). Creep ration-II, showed significant effect on growth and feed efficiency. Thus, creep ration feeding has significantly improved the pre-weaning body weight gain of Malabari kids and it was highly economical with the incorporation of chicken carcass meal as the main protein source.