Effect of number of kids assigned on milk performance of the does depending on the litter weight at birth
1999
Vásquez, R. | Petersen, J. | Mennicken, L. (Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Bonn (Germany). Institut für Tierzuchtwissenschaft, Abt. Kleintierzucht und -haltung)
A two factorial experiment using 88 hybrid does of different age was undertaken to quantify the effects of litter weight at birth (450, 450-650 vs. 650 g) and number of kids assigned (7, 8 or 9 kids per doe) on milk performance of the does and milk intake and growth performance of the kids. Litters were balanced out completely. Milk performance of the does were measured by weighing the does before and after sucking twice per week during the first three weeks of lactation. Body weight development and milk intake of the kids were measured by weighing the kids frequently. Litter weight at birth and number of kids assigned influenced milk performance of the does significantly. Special attention is given to a significant interaction between both factors under investigation. Milk performance of does with high litter weight at birth (3 450 g) is strongly influenced by the number of kids assigned, whereas no effect was found in does with litter weight at birth below 450 g.
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