Effect of flushing on productive and reproductive performance of Abergelle goats under semi-arid conditions

This study evaluated the effects of flushing before and after conception on the productive and reproductive performance of the Abergelle goat to determine an appropriate supplementation level of concentrates for breeding does. Twenty-four does were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: T1 (free grazing, control), T2 (supplemented with 200 g wheat bran and 350 g cowpea hay), and T3 (supplemented with 200 g wheat bran and 200 g noug seed cake). Six adult bucks (two per treatment) were used for mating over 30 days. The average weight gain (Kg) of Does differed significantly among treatments (P < 0.01), with the highest value observed in T2, which showed the highest weight gain (1.14 kg), followed by T3 (0.77 kg), and the lowest in T1 (-0.37 kg). Average daily weight gain during pregnancy was negative in T1, whereas supplemented groups (T2 and T3) maintained positive gains. Kid Birth weight differed significantly(P<0.05) among treatments ,with T2 producing heavier kids (2.25 kg) compared to T1 (1.77 kg) and T3 (1.66 kg). Twinning rate was highest in T3 (85%), likely due to increased ovulation rate despite lower feed intake, while no twinning was recorded in T1 and T2. However, conception rate did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among treatments . In conclusion, supplementation with 200 g wheat bran and 350 g cowpea hay during the dry season significantly (P < 0.05) improved body weight gain and kid birth weight, indicating its potential to enhance reproductive performance in low-input smallholder systems. However, the lack of significant differences in conception rate suggests that responses to flushing may depend on initial body condition and other management factors.