Effect of steaming-up on the performance of grazing does and their kids in arid region

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of steaming-up on the performance of grazing does in arid region of Rajasthan. Twenty-four goats carrying last trimester of pregnancy were selected and divided randomly into untreated (T0) and treated (T1) groups having 12 goats in each. Animals of both the groups were let loosed for grazing in the morning and were offered concentrate feed in the evening. Goats of T1 group were fed additional concentrate feed @ 300g per animal per day. Average body weight gain of goats was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in T1 group (4.04± 0.34 kg) than in T0 (2.07± 0.40 kg) during the last month of gestation. Kids from steamed-up goats were born with significantly (P< 0.05) higher body weight and maintained higher average daily gain up to weaning. Total blood protein value was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in does of T1 group during late gestation. It was concluded that the steaming-up could increase energy status in goats around kidding and the kids from these dams were born with higher body weight.