PARTUM AND POST-PARTUM BEHAVIOURS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF DOES AND KIDS

Abstract

Seventeen West African Dwarf does housed intensively were used for this study. Does were naturally mated and pregnancy was confirmed by non-return to oestrus. The predicted parturition date was calculated. Two days to the predicted date of parturition, the does were closely monitored until the day they actually kidded. The behaviours of the does (duration of parturition, and latency to groom kids) and the kids (latency to stand) were recorded. Data were subjected to independent T-test of SPSS statistical package. The mean duration of parturition in WAD does was 9.5±2.65 min and the latency of kids to stand was 10.5±3.45mins. Duration of parturition was greater (P<0.05) in the 1^st than 2^nd parity does. A significant negative correlation was established between parity and duration of parturition (r =-0.635, P˂0.05). Kids from 1^st parity does stood up earlier (P<0.05) compared to those from the 2^nd parity does. A positive correlation was established between parity and the latency of the kids to stand (r = 0.598, P˂0.05). In conclusion, the duration of parturition and latency of kid to stand were not affected by the sex of the kid delivered, however WAD does groomed female kids earlier than the male kids.