Effect of Concentrate Flushing on Productive and Reproductive Performance of Abergele Goats

Abstract This study was designed to evaluate the response of Abergelle goats to the flushing scheme before and after conception and determine the appropriate feed level for breeding does. Twenty-four Abergelle does were used in the experiment. Animals were randomly divided into three groups: T1 = free grazing; T2 = supplemented wheat bran plus cowpea hay (200gram + 350gram), and T3 = supplemented wheat bran plus noug cake (200gram + 200gram). Six adult bucks were assigned (two bucks per group) for 30 days in April 2019 for mating purposes. The result revealed that there was a significant difference (P < 0.01) among treatments in the kidding weight of Does. The highest was recorded for T2 (5 kg) followed by T3 (1.8 kg) and the lowest was in T1 (0.4kg). The negative average daily gain was recorded T1 during pregnancy. However, there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference among treatments in pregnancy rate. The body weight at kidding was somewhat similar in T1(1.66kg) and T3 (1.75kg), respectively; this is because of the high rate of twinning of T3(85%) and T1(0%). However, it was found that the birth weight of kids was much higher than does in T2 (2.25). The twinning rate of does in T3(85%) was higher than does in T2 and T1. The birth weight of kids from does in T2(2.25kg) was significantly higher than in T1(1.77kg) and T3(1,66kg). It was concluded that supplementing free-ranging goats under dry season with wheat bran plus cowpea hay (200gram + 350gram) feeds has been found effective in improving the body weight gain and reproductive performance of Abergele does.