Original scientific paper

Study on birth weight and pre-weaning growth of Croatian multicolored goat kids.

Boro Mioč ; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Velimir Sušić ; Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Zvonko Antunović ; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of J. J. Strossmayer, Osijek, Croatia
Zvonimir Prpić ; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Vnučec ; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Croatia
Ante Kasap ; Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine some production characteristics of Croatian multicolored goat kids (birth weight, age and body weight at weaning, and average daily gain) in extensive breeding conditions. The research included 530 goat kids from four family farms in the area of the Šibenik - Knin and Zadar County. The birth weight and body weight of the kids at weaning were determined by individual weighing on an electronic scale with accuracy of ±0.05 kg. The kids were with other goats from birth to weaning and they consumed pasture grass and browsed while consuming milk by suckling. The results of the research indicate that the kids’ birth weights, their body weight at weaning and average daily gain are quite variable and under the influence of sex, type of birth and the season of kidding. After parturition, the kids weighed 2.28 kg on average, and 23.0 kg at weaning (on the 186th day). The kids gained 115.43 g on average daily in the period from birth to weaning, but in comparison to female kids, male kids had significantly (P<0.001) higher average daily weight gain (125.15 : 106.96 g) and significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight at weaning (23.46 : 22.58 kg). The lowest average daily gain (103.92 g) was determined in kids of low birth weight (<1.50 kg), and the highest (163.04 g) in kids of higher birth weight (≥3.50 kg). The significant (P<0.001) influence of the kidding season on birth weight and growth of kids from birth to weaning was determined.

Keywords

kids; Croatian multicolored goat; birth weight; daily gain; weaning

Hrčak ID:

69414

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/69414

Publication date:

20.6.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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