Effect of urea-molasses mineral block (UMMB) and medicated-UMMB supplementation on growth performance and feed gain ratio in goat kids

Forty eight nondescript breed of growing goat kids (6-9 months) were selected randomly on body weight basis and divided into three groups having four replicates (four animals in each replicate) to assessthe effect of urea-molasses mineral block (UMMB) and medicated-UMMB on their growth performance for 90 days. Group one (T1) was fed with roughage consisting of sola grasses (Aeschynomene indica L. ) and rhea leaves (Acacia leucophloea Roxb.) ad lib in equal proportion. The concentrate mixture (7 % DCP and 60 % TDN) ranging from 150 to 250g was fed to different kids depending on their body weight to meet protein and energy requirement. Group two (T2) was fed with the same roughage and concentrate mixture, in addition to ad lib supplementation of UMMB. Group three (T3) was fed with the same roughage and concentrate mixture, in addition to medicated-UMMB (Fenbendazole @ 0.5 g/kg feed block) ad lib for 10 days followed by un-medicated UMMB during rest of the trial period. The overall dry matter intake (499.38 g/day) and average body weight gain (54.23 g/day) of goat kids were the highest (p<0.01) when fed with feed mixture containing medicated-UMMB. The UMMB and M-UMMB can be incorporated in the conventional feeding practice of goat kids for their better growth and development.