Effect of Vitamin E and Selenium on Performance and Productivity of Goats

Although there are many studies dealing with the effect of vitamin E and Selenium on the performance and productivity of ewes and their lambs, there are very a few studies on their effect on goats and their kids. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of Vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E plus selenium on goats and their kids during late gestation on their performance and immune status. Seventy two pregnant goats (n=72) were allotted to four treatment groups (n=18/group). Group one was kept as control. Animals of groups 2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th received four injections (twice before parturition and twice after parturition) of vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E plus selenium respectively. The results revealed that kids from treated groups had significantly higher birth weights, rectal temperature and weaning weights with no effect on dam's body weight. In addition, the immune status of treated goats and their kids was higher than untreated animals.