Influence of varying concentrate feeding frequencies on growth and blood parameters in female Sirohi goat kids in semi-arid Rajasthan

AbstractThe effects of concentrate feeding frequency on growth performance were assessed in a three-month trial, and 21 female Sirohi goat kids were included. Three groups (T1, T2 and T3) containing concentrate were randomly assigned to feed the Sirohi goat kids once, twice, or thrice daily. Throughout the ninety-day trial, uniform management techniques and feeding like green or dry fodder were kept up. Each animal was given an exact quantity of food and water each morning during the trial, and the remaining feed and water were weighed the next morning. The findings showed that the thrice-a-day feeding group (T3) had significantly (P<0.01) higher average daily weight gain, weekly body weight, weekly body weight gain, and FCR than the twice and once-feeding concentrate, indicating a positive impact on growth parameters. There were also significant differences in total daily feed intake and daily water consumption, as well as weekly body weight (kg). Additionally, there was a significant improvement in blood parameters viz., Hb, PCV, and RBC values in the T3 group but WBC and ESR values were non-significantly affected by feeding frequencies. It was determined that the farmer’s revenue was little impacted by the frequency of concentrate feeding and that feeding concentrates thrice was appropriate.