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BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Improving the survival rate of pre-weaned kids
THE development of innovative feeds and feeding schemes is vital and necessary to improve the survival rate of pre-weaned kids, and the productivity of does.
Because of this, a group of researchers coming from the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), Visayas State University (VSU), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU), Isabela State University (ISU), Central Mindanao University (CMU), and Department of Agriculture in Region 8 (DA 8), have collaborated to address these concerns in a study.
Titled as “Innovative Feed Supplements and Feeding Schemes for Increased Goat Productivity,” the study developed new feed products for the newborn and the pre-weaners for enhanced kid survival.
The initiative also developed rations and feeding schemes for pregnant and lactating does.
The Los Baños, Laguna-based Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology funded the study, which was led by CLSU.
To address kid mortality, newborn and pre-wean supplements, particularly the coco water-based nutritional drench for new born kids and Trichanthera-based forage jackfruit seaweed pellets (FJS) for 61 to 90-day old pre-weaners were developed and tested by the Visayas State University through its researcher, Dr. Lolito C. Bestil.
Formulation of coco water-based drench and transition feeds in the form of creep feeds and jackfruit-based water provided the much needed nutrients to ensure survival of neonates from birth up to weaning of 90 days of age.
These innovative feeds increased kid survival and promoted rapid growth and development during this critical period, thus producing bigger and heavier animals at weaning.
The two variants of pre-wean feeds for 30 to 60-day old kids, on the other hand, were developed byCLSU through Dr. Edgar A. Orden.
These rations contain highly digestible protein that can provide the best nutrition for kids at this stage.
The innovations are expected to help in addressing kid mortality, which was recorded at 18.2 percent and 14.7 percent for backyard and commercial farms, respectively.
The number increases to as high as 41.2 percent when calamities strike.
This is based on the findings of the National Goat Science and Technology (S&T) Program of 2006-2010.
Consolidating the results of the various components, the CLSU then developed the appropriate feeding schemes for the various physiological stages of goats not only to increase kid survival but also to increase productive efficiency and milk production of lactating does.
The study showed that flushing at critical times before and after giving birth improved the reproductive performance and mothering ability of female breeder goats.
The use of Indigofera-based pellets, on the other hand, significantly increased dry matter intake and provided sufficient amount of energy and protein, resulting in higher milk production.
Information and technologies generated under the project are expected to translate to an increased supply of slaughter goats and provide higher income.
Results of the project also showed that higher kid survival is projected to increase marketable animals by about 20,400 in three years within the focal regions (1,2,3,8, and 10), valued at P61.2 million. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
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