Reproductive performance of pubertal Alpine goats supplemented with bypass fat and minerals.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of bypass fat and mineral supplementation, on estrous percentage (PE), hours to estrus (HE), ovulation rate (TO), pregnancy rate (PG), lambing percentage (PP) and prolificacy (Pr). Twenty eight Alpine puberal goats were fed with a total mixed ration (TMR). Four groups were formed and randomly assigned to supplementation: Energetic: TMR + 37.5 g d-1 bypass fat, Mineral: TMR + 37.5 g d-1 of a mineral premix, Combined: TMR + 37.5 g d-1 bypass fat + 37.5 g d-1 of a mineral premix and Control: TMR. HE, TO and Pr variables were analyzed by PROC GLM. The PE, PG and PP variables were analyzed by PROC FREQ. PE, HE, TO and PP variables were not affected by supplementation with bypass fat and/or mineral elements. The PG was higher for treatments with energy and mineral supplementation, than combined treatment and control (P < 0.01). The Pr was higher (P < 0.0330) in treatments with supplementation than the control treatment. In conclusion, energetic and/or mineral supplementation in puberal female goats not affect the manifestation of estrus, TO and PP; however, PG and PR were increased.