Study on the growth performance of Black Bengal goats in different periods

Growth performance potential of 892 Black Bengal kids was studied in four different locations across Bangladesh. Birth weight of kids for Mymensingh (1), Trisal (2) and Tangail Regions (3) were similar (1.01 kg) with significantly lower birth weight in Rangpur (4) (0.88 kg). The effect of birth type and sex was significant with higher weights for single (1.03 kg) and male kids (1.03 kg). Monthly weights of kids followed the same pattern as birth weight. Monthly weights of kids in Regions 1, 2 and 3 were similar with significantly lower weight for Region 4. Birth type and sex affected monthly weights in different periods where single and male kids had significantly higher weights for all periods. Average daily gains had the same trend as body weights of kids in different periods and lowest in triplet and female kids in Region 4. Results revealed that growth performance of Black Bengal kids is lower than previously reported, which might be caused by inappropriate management and inadequate feed availability around the year.