Voigt, Hanna (2025). Management and performance of fattening lambs and goat kids in various rearing systems from Swiss dairy farms. (Thesis). Universität Bern, Bern

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Abstract

Many of the lambs and goat kids born annually on dairy sheep and goat farms are not needed for herd replacement and are slaughtered for meat. The goal of this study was to describe rearing and fattening systems for lambs and goat kids from dairy production in Switzerland and to assess their impact on gamma globulin serum levels, health, average daily weight gain (ADO) and mortality. Data from 543 lambs and 24 7 goat kids from 22 dairy sheep and 17 dairy goat farms in Switzerland was collected. All animals were examined twice (goat kids) or thrice (lambs) and followed from birth until slaughter. Three main rearing systems were. Gamma globulin serum were higher in younger animals than in older ones. Non-restrictive milk feeding, good health status at the second visit (V2), and absence of pre-weaning transport were associated with improved ADO of lambs during the first phase of rearing. In contrast, lambs transported to fattening farms before weaning showed higher ADO during the second phase of rearing, albeit with increased mortality compared to those that remained on their dairy farms. Further studies are needed to examine other factors of the rearing management more closely to conclude on the impact of the various rearing systems on the welfare of these lambs and goat kids.

Item Type:	Thesis
Dissertation Type:	Single
Date of Defense:	25 July 2025
Subjects:	600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health 600 Technology > 630 Agriculture
Institute / Center:	05 Veterinary Medicine > Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine (DKV)
Depositing User:	Hammer Igor
Date Deposited:	21 Dec 2025 10:03
Last Modified:	21 Dec 2025 10:03
URI:	https://boristheses.unibe.ch/id/eprint/6983

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