Determination of the use of whey and propolis on some growth characteristics, on blood values and diarhea of the goat kids

This study was conducted to obtain an alternative more economical and healthier milk substitute feed by adding whey powder and propolis to cow's milk in goat kid rearing. 40 Saanen goat kids born in the same period and were divided into 4 groups 7 days after thei birth. The kids were divided into 4 groups 10 by 10 into control group (CG) who were kept together with their mothers and into experimental groups 1-2-3 (EG1,EG2, EG3) who were kept in seperate sections. Kids in all three experimental groups were fed only with the formula (cow milk+whey powder+water). In the EG2 and EG3, the kids were given 0. 4 cc and 0. 2 cc propolis respectively in addiditon of the formula once a day. Some growth and development parameters and rectal temperatures of the kids were measured once a week and morning and evening diarrhea scorings were taken in all groups. Some biochemical and hematological analyzes were performed. According to all the results obtained, the differences in the body temperatures and in the glucose and urea values among the groups were found to be significant and the other characteristics were statistically significant (P<0.05). The insignificant difference between the average growth and development parameters of the kids in the CGs in the CG was an important finding in growing kids more economically and reserving the goat milk for more profitable procedures. According to the diarrhea scores, it was observed that propolis was effective on diarrhea and it was concluded that it could be used in growing kids as a preventive measure. Feeding kids with the formula was found more economical than feeding them with mother-milk. As a result of this study, it could be suggested that the use of milk replacers containing whey and propolis will positively affect the growth, the development and the health of the goat’s kids.