Biological Science: Research Developments and Innovations Vol. 1

Low milk production and frequent multiple births in Black Bengal goats often result in inadequate nutrition for kids, highlighting the need for affordable and nutritionally adequate milk replacers. Previous research has focused on the productive and reproductive performance and nutrient requirements of Black Bengal goats, whereas limited information is available on the effects of milk replacers on kids’ performance. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different milk replacers on the performance of kids.

In a 60-day feeding trial, twenty kids of both sexes (15 days of age; mean BW, 1.9 ± 0.4 kg) were divided into four groups of five kids each. The three milk-replacer treatments comprised a milk replacer prepared using shoti (Curcuma zedoaria) powder (T₁), a milk replacer prepared using fresh eggs and wheat flour (T₂), and a milk replacer prepared from skim milk powder (T₃). The results for feed intake, growth, and digestibility were analysed by one-way ANOVA using the General Linear Model procedure in SPSS (version 11.0).

The dry matter (DM) content of the milk replacers varied widely (64.4–92.8%), whereas crude protein (CP) (26.0–28.5%) and ether extract (EE) (13.5–26.9%) were within acceptable nutritional ranges for kid feeding. Nutrient intake was significantly affected by the type of milk replacer. Total dry matter intake (TDMI), milk dry matter intake, and crude protein intake (TCPI) were highest in the T₁ group, indicating better palatability and nutrient consumption. Average daily gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the T₁ group than in the T₂ and T₃ groups, whereas the control group was intermediate. Body weight gain in the T₂ and T₃ groups increased up to the fifth week and declined thereafter. Feed conversion efficiency did not differ significantly among groups. DM and OM digestibility were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the T₁ group. N retention (as a percentage of N intake) was lower in the T₃ group. Costs for the T₀, T₁, T₂, and T₃ groups were 4.7, 9.0, 36.6, and 4.7 Tk/100 g (or 0.054, 0.113, 0.456, and 0.054 $/100 g) of mixed dry milk replacer, respectively. Because milk replacer supplementation did not affect weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), or nutrient utilisation, the milk replacers were cost-effective.

Overall, shoti- and skim-milk-based milk replacers improved growth performance, nutrient intake, and digestibility, demonstrating their suitability as alternatives to natural goat milk in kid rearing. Owing to the high price and unavailability of skim milk in the local market, the use of shoti or eggs and wheat flour to produce a milk replacer may support profitable kid rearing in Bangladesh.