Performance of pre-weaned west African dwarf goats fed soya bean diet as replacer for milk

Abstract

Thirty-five early weaned West African dwarf (WAD) goat kids weighing 1 - 1.5kg at birth were used to evaluate the performance of pre-weaned kids fed soyabean diet (SBD) as replacer for milk. Replacement of whole milk with soyabean diet up to 50% level had no significant (P> 0.05) effect on dry matter intake (g/day) of the kids. Replacement of whole milk with SBD up to 25% had no appreciable effect on weight gains, and efficiency of feed utilization of the kids (P> 0.05). Values observed for weight gains, and efficiency of feed utilisation decreased significantly (P < 0.05) as 50% of whole milk was replaced with SBD. Kids running with their dam had lower weight gains (P < 0.05) when compared with those reared artificially on experimental diets between 7 and 13 weeks of age. Results suggested that replacement of milk with 25% SBD, will give adequate performance for pre-weaned kids. This level can be higher from 6 weeks after parturition but must not exceed 50% percent of replacement with SBD.

Key Words: Performance, Pre-weaned goats, Soyabean diet, milk replacer.