Goats Feeding
It was observed during the investigation that the number of units is becoming less in Goa due to restriction on free range grazing. Considering the constraints on free-range system semi-intensive rearing with partial feeding may be practised to sustain goat rearing as a viable subsidiary occupation. Studies at the Institute unit indicated that the weight gain was marginally higher in free range system as compared to stall feeding.
The daily weight gain under the free-range system was 83.60 g. and under stall feeding 77.5 g. The performance of crossbred goats with partial grazing and supplementary feeding was encouraging. Concentrate feed with 20.01 % CP and 2675 Cal DE was given for young animals at the rate of 300 g per day. Maximum weight gain of 121.32 g/day was recorded. This indicated that partial grazing with supplementary feeding would be more suitable for goat rearing under the local condition.
Ingredient |
Grower mash(% OM) |
Adultmash (% OM) |
| Maize | 29 | 50 |
| GNCake | 30 | 24 |
| Wheat bran | 40 | 25 |
| Min.Mix | 1 | 1 |
| CP | 20.01 | 17.80 |
| CF | 7.25 | 6.42 |
| Energy | 2645 | 2900 |
| (DE kcal))/kg |
Depending upon the availability and cost, other feed ingredients like sunflower cake, gram husk, rice bran, Jower etc can be proportionately added to replace the costly ingredients.
Feeding schedule
Dry matter intake of goat (Total feed intake/day) is around 3 to 3.5% of its body weight An animal weighing 30 kg will consume around one kg of dry feed/ day
Concentrate feed requirement/day: Kids
1- 3 months age 50 to 75gm
3 to 6 months 75 to 150 gm.
6 months to 1 year 200-250gm.
Adult female 300 gm
Adult male 400 gm
In addition to the above 4-6 hours grazing in a pasture land with tree leaves and forages is essential.
Reproduction
Goat is litter bearing animal since they get twin or triplets two times in a year, indicating its prolificacy. They are seasonal breeders. In Goa mostly goats show estrous in December to January and May to
June.
Source-
- Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Ela, Old Goa, Goa
