The effects of pre- and post-natal nutrition on the milk production of Australian feral goats.

Abstract

Animal Production in Australia Vol. 15 THE EFFECTS OF PRE- AND POST-NATAL NUTRITION ON THE MILK PRODUCTION OF AUSTRALIAN FERAL GOATS B.W. NORTON* , ALTHEA LAMBERT* and B.J. RESTALL There is no information available on the effects of nutrition on milk production of Australian feral goats raised under improved management. At 60d after conception, 72 unselected feral does were divided into three groups containing equal numbers of twin and single bearing does (Fowler and Wilkins 1982). The first group was maintained on Kikuyu grass pastures (control), the second group was held in individual pens from 120 days post conception until kidding (120-150), and the third group held from 120 days post conception until one month after kidding (120-180). Housed does were offered pelletted rations of cotton seed meal, barley straw and sorghum grain. Four nutritional treatments were applied to groups of six does (50 % twin bearing) in each period, high (20.6%) and low (12.2%) protein pellets offered either ad lib (high) or 70% ad lib (low). After supplementation all does were returned to pasture. Milk production was estimated at 23, 55 and 106 days post kidding (Corbett 1968). The effects of supplementation period (n = 72) and nutritional treatments (n = 48) were separately determined by analysis of variance. The main effects of treatments are shown in Table 1. Table 1. Influence of period, type and level of supplementation on the yield (ml/d) and protein content (%) of milk from twin and single bearing does These results show that improved nutrition in early lactation has a major effect on milk production in feral does, and that the maintenance of this high level depends on continuing high levels of nutrition. The effects of improved milk production on kid growth are presently being evaluated. The authors wish to express their gratitude to the Kinross Cashmere Company for providing finance to undertake these studies. CORBETT, J.L. (1968). Aust. J. Agric. Res. 19: 283 FOWLER, D.G. and WILKINS, J.F. (1982). ProcfEAust. Soc. Anim. Prod. 14: 491 * Dept. of Agriculture, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld. 4067. T N.S.W. Dept. of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Centre, Wollongbar, N.S.W.2480. 726