EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SUPPLEMENTS ON MILK YIELD AND COMPOSITION OF RED SOKOTO GOATS IN ADAMAWA STATE

Abstract

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary supplement on milk production of Red Sokoto goat in Adamawa state. The study was conducted in the Benue trough block where more than 50% of the goat populations of the state were found. What was the design of the experiment based on supplements offered. The milk composition values increased during mid-lactation and declined during late lactation. Significant differences (P<0.05) in all values existed during late lactation. The values increased and reached peak during mid-lactation and then declined during late-lactation. Significant differences (P<0.01) existed during late-lactation and was highest in the group supplemented with cotton seed cake and least in the control group, lactose values also reached peak during mid-lactation and started declining. Supplement feed intake during second parity in the parent stock also showed significant (P<0.001) differences between groups with the highest intake recorded in the group receiving groundnut haulms and the least in the group receiving cotton seed cake. The proximate composition of milk from does during second parity showed that the pH level showed significant (P<0.05) differences among treatment groups and the level increased during mid-lactation and then declined. Total solids also showed differences (P<0.05) between treatment groups, the values were similar during early and late-lactations. The result shows that  treatment T3 performed better with significantly (P<0.5) higher milk yield, protein and total solids at early and mid-lactation respectively in second parity. Supplementation treatment diet T3 showed positive impact on all parameters measured and may well be recommended.