Breeding does at an early age can accelerate genetic progress in a breeding programme. However there is little information on the management and nutrition of bred doe kids. This trial investigated flat rate and stepped rate allocations of energy during the last 9 weeks pre-kidding and the effects of these treatments on the subsequent performance of both does and kids.

In December 1990 42 first and second cross cashmere doe kids were selected for breeding on the basis of liveweight (minimum 18.5 kg) and housed until kidding in early May. Two 3 year old New Zealand bucks were run with them for 4 weeks. A complete diet, consisting of grass nuts and maize gluten was fed during the housing period.