Feed supplementation to synchronize estrous and improve the reproductive performance of goats in Madagascar
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19182/remvt.31877Keywords
goats, fertility, conception rate, flushing, MadagascarAbstract
The coastal areas of Southwestern Madagascar are the driest on the island. The breeding of small ruminants is the main source of income for the local population. However, their reproduction, especially that of goats, is hampered by unfavorable zootechnical (genetics and animal husbandry) and agroclimatic conditions (low fodder availability during the long dry season). Methods to improve the reproductive performance of goat breeding exist: artificial insemination, hormonal treatments, male effect and feed supplementation or flushing. Flushing is a simple method to implement and does not require any major change in pastoral practices; it is best adapted to the conditions of this semi-arid site. Two groups of animals treated against parasite were used during 45 days in July-August (dry season): a group of 207 females given an energy feed (flushing) of dry cassava at 500 g/day, and a control group of 184 goats. Reproduction parameters were recorded: fertility rate, conception rate, prolificity rate and survival rate at 30 days of age. Significant improvements in the fertility (81% vs 28%) and conception (69% vs 25%) of treated females were observed. The prolificity of the treated group (120%) was slightly higher than that of the control group (115%), with no significant difference. Thirty days after birth the kid survival rate in the treated group was significantly higher (67% vs 25% in control). The flushing method improved the reproduction parameters of native goats as well as the numerical and economic productivity of goat rearing in the semi-arid zone of Southwestern Madagascar.
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© J.H.Andrianarisoa et al., hosted by CIRAD 2020
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