Growth and behavioral traits of Turkish Saanen kids weaned at 45 and 60 days

The influence of weaning age on various growth characteristics and behavioral traits of Turkish Saanen kidswas investigated. The kids were weaned at 45 and 60 days of age. The body weights, body measurements and behavioral traits were monitored during the experimental period. The average daily live weight gains of the kids in both of the treatment groups were similar between weaning and 4months of age, and birth and 4months of age.Weaning age influenced roughage andwater consumption, and lying. Although there were no difference between the two groups in terms of growth characteristics, kids in 45-day group consumed more roughage than those in 60-day group. Because of a 15-day difference between the two weaning practices, the kids, weaned at 45 days of age seemed more experienced and spent the rest of their spare time lying. The results of the present study indicated that no significant differences were found in the growth and behavioral traits of Turkish Saanen kids, weaned at 45 or 60 days of age, and suggested that kids could be weaned at 45 days of age. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved