SEASONAL PERFORMANCE AND FEEDING CHARACTERISTICS OF SOKOTO RED GOATS

Kubkomawa, H. I.

Department of Animal Health and Production Technology

Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, Nigeria

E-mail: kubkomawa@yahoo.com

ABSRACT

The study was conducted to investigate seasonal performance and feeding characteristics of sokoto red goats in Kwargashe village, Lala District, Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Data on seasonal performance and feeding behaviour of animals were generated through the use of scale, oral interview of goat producers and visual observation. The results indicated that, there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the monthly performance of the animals. Weights of animals in the months of January, October, November, December; May and April did not differ significantly (P>0.05). There was a very high significant difference (P<0.01) in seasonal performance of animals, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in performance of animals in respect to management systems practised by farmers in the study area. Animals had better performance in early wet season (April, May and June) and least performance in early dry season (October, November and December). Goats were observed to be intelligent, scavengers, to browse (rather than graze) more than any other domesticated ruminant, to have high tolerance for bitter pants, to prefer shorter grasses than taller ones, are uncommonly curious and alert and can assess and take advantage of new situations surprisingly quickly; they are daring climbers and jumpers, security conscious and prefer high places where they can observe their surroundings. Goats hate confinement, reject any plants with scent of their own urine or faeces, do not like rain, dew, puddles or mud.  Goats were observed to be so destructive and unique in nature, ruminate in a semi-somnolent (half sleeping) state and random noises can cause rumination to go off. Goats perform better during early wet season because at that period they were allowed on free range which gave them opportunity of exhibiting their scavenging nature and selective feeding behaviour.

Keywords: Seasonal Performance, Feeding Characteristics, Management, Sokoto Red, Goats.