The research was carried out to evaluate the performance of kids submitting of different periods of suckling. Forty-two Alpine goats crossbred (21 males and 21 females) were assigned to three treatments with 14 replicates: T1 weaning at 56; T2 weaning at the 70 and T3 weaning at the 84 days old. The liquid diet (goat milk) was fed up to 35 days old, in two suckling and, after, the animals received the same quantity of goat milk at one suckling, in the afternoon. An experimental randomized completely design in 3 x 2 factorial scheme (three weaning period x two sex), with seven replicates, was used. Average weight for the respective treatments at 182 days old were: T1 = 19.3b; T2 = 20.3ab and T3 = 21.4ª kg. No significant differences among the treatments were observed for weight gain, from 85 to 182 days old, with means of T1 = 65ª; T2 = 57ª and T3 = 66ª g/day. Weaning at 56 days showed a satisfactory goat development.
goat; weight gain; weaning
