Reproduction performance of Saanen goats raised under extensive conditions

Abstract

This research was conducted to determine some reproductive characteristics and kids’ growth  characteristics  of Saanen goats raised at Suleyman Demirel University Sheep and Goat Testing Facility. The animal materials of this research consisted of 91 female goats in different ages. Estrous cycle length, first mating age, kidding age and gestation length were found as 21 day, 12.9 month, 9.7 month and 150.1 day, respectively, while 2-5 age kidding rate, infertility and litter size were 81 and 81.3%, 11.5 and 0.09% and 1.13 and 1.47, respectively. The effects of mother age and birth type on birth weight for Saanen kids were significant (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). The effects of birth type and sex on weaning weight and survival rate were significant (P < 0.01), but the age of dam was not significant (P > 0.05). The average kids’ birth weight, weaning weight and survival rate were found as 3.06 kg, 12.91 kg and 79%, respectively.

Key words: Saanen goat, reproductive characteristics, survival rate.