A Comparative Analysis of Growth Performance in Post-Weaning Saanen Kids and Barbados Blackbelly Lambs | [Journal of animal health and production • 2025]

Author(s):

1. Noor Syaheera Ibrahim: School of Animal Science, Aquatic Science and Environment, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

2. Nurafizah Ahamad: School of Animal Science, Aquatic Science and Environment, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

3. Nur Shuhaidah Ain aa Rosli: School of Animal Science, Aquatic Science and Environment, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

4. Nur Athiqah Md Yusof: School of Animal Science, Aquatic Science and Environment, Faculty of Bioresources and Food Industry, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Besut Campus, Besut, Terengganu, Malaysia

5. Ernie Muneerah Mohd Adhan: Veterinary Research Division, Department of Veterinary Services, Lot 4G1, Precinct 4, Federal Goverment Administration Centre, Putrajaya, Malaysia.

Abstract:

Live weight is a common measurement used to evaluate the growth performance of livestock and to construct their growth curves. The present study aims to assess the live weight and growth performance of post-weaning male and female crossbred Saanen kids and Barbados Blackbelly (BBB) lambs, comparing their average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Observations were conducted over a six-week period at UniSZA Pasir Akar Farm, involving a sample of ten crossbred Saanen kids and BBB lambs (n=6 females, n=4 males). The average live weight of male and female crossbred Saanen kids was highest at week 5, with values of 19.1±2.59 kg and 19.8±3.49 kg, respectively. Similarly, the average live weight of male and female crossbred BBB lambs peaked at week 5, with 21.3±4.6 kg and 21.0±2.86 kg, respectively. No significant diferences (P > 0.05) were observed in the average live weight of both sexes of post-weaning crossbred BBB lambs. A significant diference (P<0.05) in ADG values was found between female crossbred Saanen kids and BBB lambs, with lambs having 0.03 kg higher ADG than the kids. Additionally, a significant diference (P<0.05) in ADG was observed between male Saanen kids and BBB lambs, with male lambs showing a 0.047 kg greater ADG than male kids. These findings suggest that the growth performances of both Saanen kids and BBB lambs, including ADG and FCR, were influenced during their post-weaning phase.

Page(s): 210-215

DOI: 10.17582/journal.jahp/2025/13.1.210.215

Published: Journal: Journal of animal health and production, Volume: 13, Issue: 1, Year: 2025

Keywords:

Growth performance , Saanen kids , Postweaning , ADG , Blackbelly lambs

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