Effects of supplementary Nutrition in yearling Saanen kids on sexual behaviors and reproductive traits

Abstract

The present study was conducted to improve sexual behaviors in yearling kids mated for the first time by supplementing the feed additive containing multiple nutrients. In addition, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementing multiple nutrients on litter size in yearling kids. Eighteen yearling Saanen kids (34.40 +/- 4.10 kg), aged 7-8 months and two sexually experienced Saanen bucks (53 +/- 2.80 kg), aged 2 years were used. The animals were sorted by body weight and litter size of their mothers in previous years and assigned to one of the two groups (control; CG and experimental; EG) in the study. Each group consisted of 9 animals. The daily ration of the animals in EG was added 30 g animal(-1) the feed additive for 5 days before mating period. Despite the fact that there were no statistically differences for sexual behaviors, the number of kids born, kidding and multiple birth percentages between groups (p>0.05), the results showed that supplementing combination of nutrients improving animal health and reproduction had a positive effect on kidding and multiple percentages.