Phenotypic traits, reproductive and milk production performances of indigenous goats in south Kivu, democratic republic of Congo

Abstract

Objectives: Quantification of the phenotypic variations of indigenous goats in South Kivu and its relationship with economically important farm traits could open the way for both the conservation and breeding options for goat improvement.

Methodology and Results: This study quantified the phenotypic variation and its association with questionnaire-based reproductive and lactation parameters in indigenous female goats of South Kivu. Six reproductive traits, three lactation parameters, and fourteen morpho biometric traits were analysed following a general linear model. The shape of the horn, the shape of the tail and the eye colour explained the variability among goat populations. The length and the thickness of the tail positively correlated (p < 0.01) with the number of kidding per year, with the age of doe at the first service, and with the number of kidding. The lactation length was correlated (r= 0.33) (p < 0.05) with the estimated age of kids at weaning.

Conclusions and application of findings: The results suggest that these traits can act as phenotypic markers for goat selection. However, further research based on genome-wide association studies is required to confirm and verify these findings and to elucidate either they are genetically based or are from environmental influence.