The Effect of Different Protein Supplements on the Growth of Goat Kids

Overview

The purpose of the project is to determine which protein supplement is best for baby goats, kids. The hypothesis is that if the kids are given the pre-made food, then they will grow faster than the kids given the other protein supplement. This project is important because I raise goats for 4-H on our family farm. It is imperative that all goats and kids are healthy and growing to establish a healthy herd. Baby goats were divided into two groups. Both groups had the same barn temperature, light exposure, and access to the mother for nursing. All kids were monitored for weight gain and body temperature to maintain healthy kids throughout the experiment. One group received a personal homemade feed that is used on our farm. The other group received a packaged supplement from a feed store. The results partially support the hypothesis. From the data, it was concluded that the personal homemade recipe contributes to the length of the kids with a t-value of 1.97 compared to a critical value of 1.73 . The premade food showed significant contributions to the weight of the kids with a t-value of 2.35 compared to a critical value of 1.76. I believe that the personal recipe contains more calcium which could contribute to increased bone structure and/or length. The premade feed contains more fat which could lead to a higher body mass. Further research of the ingredients needs to be studied.

Competition history

• ISEF 2021 Animal Sciences · Entry ANIM041

Resources

• ISEF abstract page ↗

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