Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances

Year: 2005
Volume: 4
Issue: 2
Page No. 194 - 196

Gross Margin Analysis of Supplementary Feeding and Twinning in Tswana Goats

Authors : M. Monkhei and O. R. Madibela

Abstract: Data for this study was derived from a feeding experiment where the effect of nutrition on reproduction of Tswana goats was investigated. Gross margins were calculated for two groups of animals; Supplemented (S, n=19) and No supplementation (NS, n=20). The trial lasted nine months whereby a total of 69.4 kg/doe of sorghum stover base diet was offered to S group from mating to weaning. Fertility rate, kidding rate, survival rate to weaning and dam weight at weaning were not affected by supplementation (P>0.05). However, weaning weight of S kids tended (P=0.097) to be higher than NS kids (14.1 vs 12.3 kg). Productivity Index was higher (P<0.001) for S than NS animals (22.5 vs 15.4 kg). Supplementary feeding was utilized by the does for body gain, reproduction and milk production, therefore the anticipated income from dams when slaughtered were included in the calculations. Calculations for gross margins per doe were 291.85 for S and 286.94 Pula for NS, only 4.95 Pula difference. It has been found that 50% or more of Tswana goats bear twins. Calculations were extended for Supplemented Twin bearing does (ST) and No Supplemented Singleton bearing does (NSS). It was found that the difference in gross margins per doe between ST and NSS (270.31 vs 253.93 Pula) was improved. This amounted to a difference of 16.38 Pula. Even though weaning weights were low (10.8 vs 14.6 kg; P<0.05) for ST than NSS kids, the improvement was a result of kidding rate and high survival rate. This shows that supplementary feeding of indigenous Tswana goats is profitable though the margins are low. However, if supplementary feeding is practiced on twin bearing does, gross margins improves greatly, indicating that multiple birth contributes positively to profitability of Tswana goats.

How to cite this article:

M. Monkhei and O. R. Madibela , 2005. Gross Margin Analysis of Supplementary Feeding and Twinning in Tswana Goats . Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 4: 194-196.

Design and power by Medwell Web Development Team. © Medwell Publishing 2024 All Rights Reserved