Development of milk replacer for rearing kids

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different milk replacers on the performance of kids. In a 60-day feeding trial, twenty kids of both sexes (15 days of age and average 1.9 ± 0.4 kg BW) were divided into four groups having five kids in each and were assigned to four treatments: milk replacer prepared using shoti (Curcuma zedoaria) powder (T₁), milk replacer prepared using fresh eggs and wheat flower (T₂) and milk replacer prepared from skim milk powder (T₃). Total DM and milk DM intake were significantly (P<0.001) higher in T₁ than T₃, T₀ and T₂ groups. ME and MP intake were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₁ than the other three groups. Average daily gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₁ compared to T₂ and T₃ groups, while control was intermediate. Body weight gain of T₂ and T₃ group increased up to 5th week and declined thereafter. Feed conversion efficiency did not differ significantly between groups. DM and OM digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T₁ group. N retention (as percentage of N-intake) was lower in T₃ group. Costs for T₀, T₁, T₂ and T₃ groups were 4.7, 9.0, 36.6 and 4.7 Tk/100g (or 0.054, 0.113, 0.456 and 0.054 $/100g) mixed dry milk replacer. Since the supplementation of milk replacer did not affect weight gain, FCR and nutrient utilization, milk replacer was cost-effective. Therefore, shoti and egg + wheat can be fed to goat kids as an alternative to goat milk.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v31i1.22842

Bangl. vet. 2014. Vol. 31, No. 1, 46-54