This study investigated the influence of manger height on the performance and behavior of Black Bengal goats over a 90-day period at the Goat Farm and Research Centre of DUVASU, Mathura. Eighteen Black Bengal goats of similar age and weight were selected and randomly divided into three groups of six animals each. The experiment involved three different manger heights: Control at 20 cm, Treatment 1 (T1) at 10 cm, and Treatment 2 (T2) at 30 cm, to assess their effects on feed intake, growth rate, and general well-being. Behavioral parameters such as feeding time, standing time, lying time, social interactions, and dry matter intake (DMI) were observed. The results revealed that the T2 group (30 cm) exhibited significantly higher feeding times, average daily gains, and DMI compared to Control and T1 groups (P<0.05). Standing time was significantly reduced in case of T2. Furthermore, the Body Condition Score (BCS) and average body weight were significantly higher in the T2 group, indicating enhanced health and nutritional status. These findings highlighted that an elevated manger height improves feed efficiency and reduces stress-related behaviors, offering valuable recommendations for goat farmers to enhance productivity and animal welfare through effective manger design.

Highlights

• Effect of manger height on Black Bengal goats’ performance and behavior.
• 30 cm manger height improves feeding, growth, and reduces stress behaviors.