The objective of the study was to asses the effect of early weaning (45 days) compared with normal weaning (75 days on average) on the growth and viability of kids, on the postpartum anoestrus and on the milk yield and milk composition of Drâa goats. Thus, 60 Drâa does and their kids, under a 3 kiddings in 2 years managment system, were divided into two batches of weaning (early and normal). The results showed that the growth of kids weaned at 45 days slowed down between 30 and 60 days (53 vs. 80 g / d) and between 60 and 90 days of age (50 vs. 64 g / d). However, the duration of the postpartum anoestrus was reduced by 25 days in does whose kids were weaned early. As for milk production, only fat yield and fat percent were affected and positively by early weaning. Thus, it has been concluded that early weaning can be practiced in Drâa goats for a dual purpose (milk and meat), but special attention should be paid to the kids to reduce mortalities
