A Study on Comparison of Stall Feeding System of Goat Rearing with Grazing System

Abstract

A study was undertaken to compare the grazing system and stall feeding system in goats in Gulbarga district, Karnataka state. Twenty Osmanabadi goats were divided into two groups; stall feeding group and grazing group each containing 10 goats. The overall weight gain was significantly higher in stall fed group (7.90 ±0.12 kg) compared to grazing group (5.30 ±0.55 kg). Blood parameters (average Hb (g/dl), PCV (%) and RBC (10⁶/cmm) count) were higher in stall feeding group (9.16±0.68, 25.09±0.43 and 10.75±0.37 respectively) compared to grazing group (8.64±0.52, 22.97±0.16 and 8.97±0.42 respectively). Upon DLC analysis, different leukocytes were in the normal range in the stall fed group compared to the grazing group. On the 1^st day deworming was done for all the goats. At the end of the study, no Strongyle eggs were observed in both the groups. However, coccidial oocysts were found in three goats in grazing group. After three months of experimental period for 10 goats the profit was calculated to be $ 464.4 ($ 96.84 more) in stall fed group as compared to $ 367.56 in grazing group. Therefore goats grow healthier, gain better body weight, and are more healthy and farmers gain more profit in stall feeding system of goat rearing compared to grazing system.