Some observations on performance of first kidding Sudanese Nubian goats

Abstract

Thirty-six Sudanese Nubian female kids were selected’ in this experiment which extended from 
weaning to end of first lactation. The experimental animals were divided into two eqUal groups 
based on body weight and were assigned at random to either sorghum or molasses based diet. 
Each group was further divided into three subgroups (six animal each) according to date of birth. 
The sorghum fed group maintained a higher DMI than molasses fed group. Daily milk yield in 
both groups were similar (0.79±0.31 and 0.76±0.23) for sorghum and molasses fed group 
respectively. 
The age at successful service in the niolaiseS fed group was lower than that of sorghum group 
(9.1±0.26 versus 11.1±0.85 months respectively) despite similarity of body weight (16.5±0.02 
kg). The standing heat duration for both groups were (12-28 hrs). Estrous cycle length for short 
and normal period (4-12 and 18-24 days) and gestation length (146±0.78 days). The molasses fed 
group kidded at younger age (14.56±0.8 month) compared to sorghum group (16.5±0.79 months) 
and at heavier body weight (25.1±0.77 kg versus 23.33±0.07 kg) for sorghum fed group. The 
‘kidding interval and service period of molasses fed group were significantly (P<0.05) lower 
than those of the sorghum fed group. Kids born to sorghum fed group maintained heavier birth 
weight, higher pre-weaning gain and weaning weight compared’ with the other group. Male kids 
were heavier than female kids while twins were heavier than single at all stages of growth. The 
mortality percentage was 35% in the molasses fed group and 24% in the sorghum group: