S. S. Husain

Study on the growth performance of Black Bengal goats in different periods

Abstract Growth performance potential of 892 Black Bengal kids was studied in four different locations across Bangladesh. Birth weight of kids for Mymensingh (1), Trisal (2) and Tangail Regions (3) were similar (1.01 kg) with significantly lower birth weight in Rangpur (4) (0.88 kg). The effect of birth type and sex was significant with higher weights for single (1.03 kg) and male kids (1.03 kg). Monthly weights of kids followed the same pattern as birth weight. Monthly weights of kids in Regions 1, 2 and 3 were similar with significantly lower weight for Region 4. Birth type and sex affected monthly weights in different periods where single and male kids had significantly higher weights for all periods. Average daily gains had the same trend as body weights of kids in different periods and lowest in triplet and female kids in Region 4. Results revealed that growth performance of Black Bengal kids is lower than previously reported, which might be caused by inappropriate management and inadequate feed availability around the year.

Effect of different factors on pre-weaning survivability of Black Bengal kids

Survivability of Black Bengal kids produced in four different locations of Bangladesh was studied. Records on 892 kids born over a period from 1987 to 1991 were included. Data were analysed considering the fixed effects as region, parity, birth type, sex, season and year. Overall survival rates during birth -1, 1–2, 2–3 and birth -3 months of age were 84.4 ± 1.9, 91.3 ± 1.6, 95.9 ± 1.1 and 71.7 ± 2.4%, respectively. Regional effect on birth weight was significant (P < 0.05) for the period from birth to 3 months having highest survival rate in Region 1 (76.9 ± 1.4) and lowest for Region 4 (61.1 ± 5.5). Effect of parity was insignificant but survivability increased gradually with the increase in parity number having the highest survival rate in the 5th parity. Birth weight of kids and milk yield of dams had a relationship with survivability during the pre-weaning period. It was evident that survivability of kids increased with the increase of birth weight of kids and milk yield of dams. Season had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on survival rates of kids, with the highest survivability in the rainy season and the lowest in summer. Type of birth had no significant effect on survival rates but single kids always had a higher survival rate than twins and triplets. Effect of sex was significant (P < 0.01) for birth -1 and birth -3 months of age, male kids having a higher survival rate than females. Year had a significant effect (P < 0.01) on survival and increased gradually with advancing months. Lower birth weights, dams with insufficient milk and lack of husbandry knowledge were considered the main factors responsible for higher kid mortality.