Abstract: [Objective] To assess the short-term fattening effect and slaughter performance of Inner Mongolia Arbas white cashmere goat kids. [Method] A total of 520 four-month-old weaned goat kids with similar weights were selected. Among them, 260 kids （experimental group） were fattened under whole confined farming mode in 3 separate herdsmen′s families with the same feeding management standards and feed supply, and the remaining 260 kids （control group） were raised under traditional grazing mode in 2 separate herdsmen′s families with similar pasture quality. The fattening period lasted for 4 months. The weights and average daily gains at different fattening stages under different feeding modes were measured, calculated and statistically compared; a slaughter test was carried out at the end of the fattening experiment to assess the effect of different feeding modes on slaughter performance indicators of Arbas white cashmere goats. The economic benefits of different feeding modes were calculated and compared. [Result] Compared with the control group, the weights on 120^th day of fattening experiment of the experimental group were significantly （P<0.05） increased; the average daily gains during 30 to 60 days and 60 to 90 days of the experimental group were significantly （P<0.05） increased, and those during 90 to 120 days of the experimental group were extremely significantly （P<0.01） increased. The live weights before slaughter, carcass weights, slaughter rates, net meat weights, net meat rates, bone weights, kidney and kidney fat weights, and eye muscle areas of the experimental group were extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than those of the control group, while the bone-meat ratio of the experimental group was extremely significantly （P<0.01） lower than that of the control group. Non-carcass components such as the blood weights, head and hoof weights, tare weights, digestive system weights （stomach and intestine）, visceral weights （heart, liver, lung）, and omental fat and mesentery fat weights of the experimental group were extremely significantly （P<0.01） higher than those of the control group. The fattening net profit of the experimental group was 345.60 yuan/head higher than that of the control group.[Conclusion] Compared with the traditional grazing mode, the weight gain and slaughter performance of Albas white cashmere goats fattened under whole confined farming mode are significantly improved, and good fattening economic benefits are achieved. The whole confined fattening mode is suitable for promotion in Ordos City.

Key words: Inner Mongolia Arbas white cashmere goat kids, feeding mode, short-term fattening effect, slaughter performance