Conference Thando Mpendulo
University of KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa
Title: Influence of water deprivation on intake and growth performance of Nguni goats
Biography
Biography: Conference Thando Mpendulo
Abstract
The objective of the study was to determine the influence of varying levels of water deprivation on intake and growth performance of Nguni goats. A total of 36 Nguni does (initial weight (18±3.2 kg) were used in the study. The goats were housed in individual cages and subjected to varying periods of water deprivation (0; 24; 48 h), with ad libitum access to Medicago sativa hay. Average daily water intake (ADWI), average daily feed intake (ADFI), water to feed ratio (WFR), average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined weekly. Average daily water intake (ADWI) was largest from goats deprived of water for 48 h compared to those deprived of water for 24 h and 0 h (P <0.05). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) was largest for goats deprived of water for 48 h compared to those deprived of water for 24 h and 0 h in week 1 and week 4 of the feeding period (P <0.01). In week 2 and 3 of the feeding period, ADFI was smallest for goats deprived of water for 0 h compared to those deprived of water for 24 h and 48 h (P <0.01). The ADG and FCR declined as the level of water deprivation was increased (P <0.01). It was concluded that water deprivation increased water and feed intake, whereas average daily gain and feed conversion declined as the water deprivation period was increased, thereby impacting on the productivity of Nguni goats.