Comparison of two modes of pellets distribution to suckling Creole goat reared at pasture in Guadeloupe
Résumé
Creole goats reared on Digitaria decumbens pasture in Guadeloupe were offered a total amount (TA) of 35 kg pellets/head over 12 lactation weeks at three kidding seasons (dry, intermediate and humid). Mode of distribution of TA, either gradually decreasing (GD) or regularly distributed (RD) at a daily constant level, had no significant effect upon milk production (1030 g/d) and daily weight gain (DWG0-40) from birth to 40 days (87.8 g). DWG 40-80 was higher for kids of RD. In fact, they had free access to pellets distributed to the does. Amount of pellets was at an higher level at the end of lactation in RD than in GD. Season effects are discussed.