Reproductive Performance of Abergelle Goats Raised under Traditional Management Systems in Sekota District, Ethiopia
Subject Areas : Camel
1 - Sirinka Agricultural Research Center, Woldia, Ethiopia
2 - College of Agriculture and Environmental Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Keywords: litter size, age at first kidding, kidding interval, kidding rate,
Abstract :
A study to evaluate the reproductive performance of Abergelle goat was carried out at Sekota District of Amhara National Regional State. On-farm flocks from two peasant associations were monitored for two years to collect data. Data collected included identification number of doe and kid, birth / kidding date, kid birth weight, sex of kid, post partum doe weight, litter size, parity of doe. Data analysis was usingthe General Linear Model procedures of the Statistical Analysis System. The overall least squares mean litter size and annual kidding rate were 1.04 and 1.45, respectively. Parity of doe, season of kidding and doe post-partum weight affected (P<0.01) litter size that parity five, dry season kidded and heavy does had the highest litter. Annual kidding rate was affected (P<0.001) by birth type and season of birth. Does that gave twin births and kidded in the dry and wet season had larger litters. The overall least squares mean age at first kidding and kidding interval were 448 and 290 days,respectively. Age at first kidding was not affected by the fixed effects considered. Kidding interval was affected by season of previous kidding. Does with kidding in the wet season have short kidding interval than does that gave birth in cool season. Does’ previous postpartum weight had effect (P<0.01) on kidding interval of Abergelle goats, in that light weight does had longer kidding interval than their heavy and medium weight contemporaries. The result of the current study shown that litter sizes are very low compared to other tropical breeds. The effect of parity could be avoided by improving the management level. In general, improving the general management level and breeding methods of goats will improve reproductive performance and productivity of this breed of goat.
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