The objective of this trial was to evaluate performance (weight and weight gain), body measurements, feed conversion, and production costs of purebred (Alpine) and crossbred [½ Boer + ½ Alpine (½ BA) and ¾ Boer + ¼ Alpine (¾ BA)] goat kids at different ages (60, 90 and 120 days). Therefore, 41 kids in a feedlot system were used in this study. Data were submitted to analysis of variance using the Tukey test for comparison of means. No difference in performance was observed among the three different groups of animals (Alpine, ½ BA, and ¾ BA). Body condition score was greatest in ¾ BA kids, which may represent additional profit to producers if animals are sold alive. As expected, most body measurements increased with age. Body measurements and weight at birth, 60 and 90 days of age were all greater on males than females. In addition, Alpine males were heavier than females at 120 days of age. They also gained more weight from 30 to 60 days when compared to females. The lowest production cost (kg of feed per kg of weight gain) was observed at 90 days of age.
birth weight; body measurements; feed cost; growth; weight gain
