Effect of flushing ration on production and reproduction performance of marwari goats and their kids

To evaluate the effect of flushing ration on reproduction and production performance of Marwari does and their kids, 40 does were randomly selected and divided into two groups of 20 each viz., treatment (T1) and control (T2) groups. Does were offered 150 g flushing ration in addition to 300 g maintenance ration for one month before and after mating. Kids were allowed to suckle milk from dam and offered starter ration and ad libitum khejri (Prosopis cineraria) leaves. Body weight and body condition score (BCS) of does were significantly (P<0.05) higher after one month of mating in T1 (36.63±0.19 kg and 3.50±0.08) than T2 (34.47±0.18 kg and 3.03±0.06). Body weight and BCS of does at kidding were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 (46.46±1.13 and 3.73±0.08) than T2 (41.82±1.03 kg and 3.40±0.11). Compared to T2, does in T1 had higher number of kids born (33 vs. 25), kidding rate (165 vs. 131.5%) and litter size (1.65 vs. 1.32). The weaning weight (3 months of age) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 (13.59±0.46) compared to T2 (12.02±0.37). The study concluded that supplementation of flushing ration to Marwari goats during breeding season improved reproduction of does and growth of kids.