Effect of Concentrate Feeding Frequency on Hematological Parameters of female Sirohi Goat kids

Goat farming is a significant contributor to India's livestock sector, with Rajasthan being a prominent region in terms of goat population. Nutrition and feeding practices are vital aspects of goat husbandry, influencing growth, health, and productivity. This research explores the effects of feeding frequency of concentrate on hematological parameters in growing female Sirohi goat kids. The experiment was conducted over 90 days, and examined three feeding groups viz., T1: feeding once a day, T2: feeding twice a day, and T3: feeding thrice a day. Hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, packed cell volume, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured at fifteen-day intervals. Three times a day feeding (T3) significantly (P<0.05) increased Hb (gm/dl) due to haemodilution by increasing water intake with feeding frequencies of concentrate compared with other groups. The PCV (%) and RBC count were significantly (P<0.01) higher T3 group but WBC count and ESR values were non-significantly affected by the feeding frequency of the concentrate. Results demonstrate significant variations in hematological profiles among the feeding frequency groups, highlighting the importance of tailored feeding strategies in goat farming.