Effect of litter size at birth on maternal-filial bond in surti goats

To investigate the effect of litter size at birth on maternal-filial bond in goats, 16 Surti goats and their 8 single- and 16 twin-born kids were divided into two groups viz., single and twin. It was observed that single-born kids showed significant (P<0.05) less early attempts to stand (23.12±1.20 vs. 26.00±0.77 min) and less time to stand than twin born kids (31.37±1.36 vs. 34.81±0.91 min). The duration of birth was significantly (P<0.01) higher in twin (24.25±0.71 min) than single (17.5±0.53 min) born kids. Total licking time per kid was significantly (P<0.01) higher in single- (17.12±0.71 min) as compared to twin-born kids (13.00±0.47 min). The time required from birth to standing (r= -0.87) and birth to sucking (r=-0.88) of kids was significant (P<0.01) and negatively correlated with birth weight. Maternal care and total licking time per kid was significant (P<0.05) and negatively correlated with placental weight (r=-0.63, -0.52) and litter size (r = -0.51, 0.72). Parturition to standing time in goats was significant (P<0.01/0.05) and positively correlated with placental weight (r=0.53) and litter size (r=0.41). The results suggested that single-born kids were more active than twins. In twin-born kids, maternal care and licking time per kid was shared.