Goat farmers in Zimbabwe are being urged to prioritise nutrition during the early stages of pregnancy, as research shows it has a significant impact on the birth weight and survival of kids.
Animal specialist Nqobani Manyabi said farmers often focus on the final stages of pregnancy while overlooking the first month after conception, a critical period for foetal development.
“Birth weight drives survival rates at kidding. Kids weighing less than 2.5kg have a survival rate of 67% to 85%, while those above 2.5kg survive at rates of 92% to 98%,” Manyabi said.
He explained that the early stages of pregnancy are key for the growth of the placenta and vascular system, which supply nutrients to the developing foetus and influence birth weight.
“Maximum foetal development occurs in the last trimester, amounting to about 70% of the kid’s birth weight. However, this growth depends heavily on placental and vascular development during the first 30 days after conception,” Manyabi said.
The specialist emphasised the importance of consistent feeding throughout the 150-day gestation period. “Restricting feed quality or quantity early in pregnancy limits placental growth, which in turn constrains foetal development in the last trimester,” he said.
Low birth weight, Manyabi warned, increases vulnerability to environmental challenges, making early nutritional management essential for producing stronger, healthier kids.
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