Effect of Probiotic Supplementation to Osmanabadi Does during Periparturient Period on Performance of Does and their Kids

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation on the performance of Osmanabadi does during the periparturient period and their kids. The experiment was carried out at the Goat Unit, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, VNMKV, Parbhani, for 120 days. Eighteen pregnant Osmanabadi does were randomly allotted into three groups: T1 (control), T2 (probiotic @5 g/day), and T3 (probiotic @10 g/day), with six does in each group. The probiotics used included Saccharomyces cerevisiae, S. boulardii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Propionibacterium freudenreichii. Weekly records of body weight, milk yield, and growth traits were maintained. Results revealed that probiotic supplementation significantly improved body weight gain in does and enhanced birth weight and growth performance of kids. Milk yield, colostrum quality (fat, protein, SNF, and total solids), and lactation length were superior in treated groups, particularly in T3. Economically, the T3 group recorded maximum returns with minimum additional cost. It was concluded that supplementation of probiotics at 10 g/day during the periparturient period enhances productivity and profitability in Osmanabadi goats.