Vol. 10, Special Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
GM Sivakumar and SC Edwin

Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to develop the prediction equation for body weight based on different linear body measurements traits in Kanni goats. The study was conducted at Livestock Farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli, TANUVAS, Tamil Nadu. The step wise regression analysis was used to get the best prediction equations for body weight with different linear body measurements. The traits had high correlation with body weight only those traits used to get the prediction equations. During one year of age groups the high correlation was observed between body length and body weight (r=0.77). The prediction equation of body weight (Y)= -10.66+0.42×46.56 (Body length) was found to be fitted regression model in one year of age groups. It has higher R² values value of 60% and the adjusted R² Value 0.57, this indicates that 57% the variance in body weight was explained by this model. At two years of age group, the high correlation was observed between body weight and chest girth was (r= 0.76). The best prediction equation Y= -11.56 + 0.41× 61.56 (Chest girth). Correspondingly, three year of age groups the highest correlation was observed between body weight and rump height was (r=0.91). The best prediction equation Y= -33.86 + (-0.45 ×BL) + (0.70 × CG) + (0.27 × WH) + (0.23 × RH) + (0.13 × TL) + (-0.18 × 31.62) + (0.11× RL). These predictors had R² value of (0.87) and the highest adjusted R² Value 0.76, this indicates that 76% the variance in body weight was explained by this model. As an increase in the coefficient of determination (R²) was observed as more variables were included in the prediction equation which indicates more precision in the determination of body weight. These traits can be used as a marker for estimating body weight in Kanni goats using regression analysis.