The effect of fat supplementation in Shami goat diets on milk production and composition, does body weight and growth performance of their suckling kids

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding a dry fat source to Shami does on their milk production and composition, body weight change, weaning weight and average daily gain of their suckling kids. For this purpose we used thirty two multiparous Shami does weighing (47.43 +/- 1.38 kg) and randomly assigned into four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) set. Does were housed with their suckling kids and fed one of four isonitrogenous total mixed rations containing 0, 2, 3 or 4% of dry fat. Milk production and milk fat content were higher (p < 0.05) for fat treated does, with no differences between 2% fat level and control group while there was no differences among groups in milk protein content. Final body weight of does was not affected by fat supplementation while body weight changes were higher (p < or = 0.05) for fat treated groups. Weaning weight and average daily gain of suckling kids were increased (p < or = 0.05) for fat treated does, with no differences between 2% fat level and control group. It is concluded that supplemental fat to does rations at 3 or 4% during their postpartum period can improve their milk production and milk fat content, as well as body weight change of does, weaning weight and average daily gain of suckling kids, without any effect on their milk protein content.