Effect of breeding month, pre-partum and post-partum protein supplementation on pregnancy, kidding rates, mortality rates, milk yield and birth weight in Angora goats under mountain conditions of Lesotho

Abstract

wenty seven Angora goat does blocked on initial body weight and divided into three dam weight groups were randomly assigned to three protein supplementary regimes: 0g, 150g and 300g and three breeding months (May, June and July). The experimental design consisted of three levels of 0g, 150g and 300g protein supplementation and three breeding months (May, June and July) combined factorially in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates per treatment. Data were subjected to Analysis of variance using General Linear Model procedures (SPSS). Mean pregnancy rate of does bred in May and June (44%) was significantly (p 0.05) lower than those bred in May and June that were the same (100%). Pregnancy rates for does that were not supplemented (68%) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those on 150g and 300g protein. Kidding rates of does bred in May (122%) and June (100%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than for July (56%). Mean birth weights of 2.25, 2.87, 3.08kg were obtained from supplementation of 0, 150 and 300g protein respectively. Heavier dams had higher birth weights of kids: 2.64, 2.68 and 2.89kg for dam groups 1 (24-30kg), 2 (31-37kg) and 3(38-43kg) respectively. Mortality rates