STM Article Repository

The study was undertaken at Abergelle agricultural research center goat breed evaluation and distribution site with the aim of evaluating the influence of genetic and non genetic factors on growth traits of Abergelle and their Boer goat crossbred F1 kids. A total of 787 records on each growth traits and average daily gains collected for a period of 10 years were used for the analysis by considering birth type, season of birth, sex, parity and year of birth as fixed effects. General Linear Model procedures of SAS and paternal half sib analysis was used to analyze the fixed effects and genetic parameters respectively. The study revealed that genetic groups, birth type, season of birth, sex, parity and year of birth and dam weight at kidding significantly (p<0.01) affect birth weight of kids. The overall mean birth weight was 2.29±0.01and 2.98±0.03 kg for both genetic groups respectively. Single born kids, kids born in the major wet season and male were heavier than their counterparts. The heritability values for birth weight (0.14±0.05 and 0.20±0.06) for the local and the crossbred were moderate, and show significance difference (P<0.05). The genotypic and phenotypic correlations between the studied growth traits showed positive values for both Abergelle and Boer cross kids. Though the growth performance of the crosses in this study are better than the local, it is still below the expectation. This is because of their intensive management requirement and sub optimal adaptability. Therefore, it is advisable to try to bring genetic improvement through within breed selection among the indigenous goat breeds in terms of reducing importation cost, conservation and adaptation. Considering the non genetic factors in the breeding strategies is also appreciated to improve the production and productivity of local goats.