Vol. 10, Special Issue 4 (2021)

Author(s):
R Selvam, R Venkataramanan, T Ravimurugan and SC Edwin

Abstract:
The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of non-genetic parameters such as Breed and Sex on body weight at different ages of goat breeds. The data on the body weight of Kanni Adu, Kodi Adu, Jamunapari and Tellichery goat breeds were collected and the body weights at different ages and average daily gains were estimated. Statistical analysis of the data was done using R software. The overall birth weight, weaning weight, one year body weight of all goat breeds were 2-2.9 kg with the mean of 2.35±0.05, 6.7-11.1 kg with the mean of 8.06 ±0.25, 15.4-25.3 kg with the mean of 18.48±0.5, respectively. The pre-weaning and post weaning average daily weight gain of goat breeds ranges from 0.04-0.09 kg and 0.01-0.05 kg with the mean of 0.06 and 0.04 kg, respectively. There is no significant difference between sex in birth weight, weaning weight and pre/post weaning average daily weight gain. But significant difference between male and female goats observed in 6 months, 9 months and 1 year body weight. The least square means of birth weight of Kanni Adu, Kodi Adu, Tellichery and Jamunapari were 2.29±0.04, 2.34±0.04, 2.50±0.04 and 2.64±0.04; weaning weight were 7.84±0.23, 7.73±0.22, 10.12±0.25 and 7.52±0.22b; one year body weight were 18.5±0.334, 18.3±0.32, 22.5±0.37 and 17±0.36, respectively. Different estimates could be due to differences in genetic merit of breeds. From the above study it was concluded that there was significant effect of non-genetic factors namely sex and breed on production parameters of the studied goat breeds.