Effect of omega 3 fatty acids used during late pregnancy on milk yield and composition of goats and kids growth performance

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of fish oil as a Omega-3 source in late pregnancy of does on performances of pregnancy and lactation, and growth performance of kids. Thirty German Fawn x Hair cross breed does were used. On the 76th day of pregnancy, the does were separated into two groups and they fed Total Mixed Ration (TMR) including 2.8% fish oil (n = 17) or protected fat (n = 13) to kidding. Goats and kids were subjected standard feeding regimen between kidding and 60 days of lactation. The study lasted 4.5 months, 2.5 months pregnancy and 2 months lactation. The use of fish oil in diet during last period of pregnancy did not affect live weight except on the 128th day of pregnancy. Similarly, the duration of pregnancy, milk yield and milk composition were not effected by fish oil. However, feed intake was increased during pregnancy, while it caused a decline in the lactation period. The kids whose mothers fed with fish oil TMRs consumed less feed. Nevertheless, feed conversion efficiency was determined high of those kids. Key Words: Omega-3, Fish oil, Goat, Pregnancy, Kids performance.