Evaluation of growth performance of different genotypes of goats managed on station in the central part of Tanzania

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate growth performance of three goat genotypes while comparing the effects of sex, birth type, genotype, season and year of birth. A total of 919 kids born from 2012 to 2017 were involved in the study. Data on birth weight, weaning weight, weight at six months and yearling weight were collected. Pre-weaning and post-weaning weights were used to calculate the average daily gain of goats. Analysis of data was done using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedures of Statistical Analytical System (SAS). The overall least square mean (LSM) of birth weight, weaning weight, weight at six months and yearling weight were 2.46, 9.39, 11.13 and 14.58kg, respectively. Birth type and sex had significant effect (P< 0.05) on birth weight, weaning weight, weight at six months and yearling weight. Single kids were significantly heavier at birth, weaning, six months, yearling, preweaning and postweaning periods. Blended goats were heavier than Gogo white and Buha at birth, weaning, six month and yearling weight. Gogo white goats were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than Buha in all traits. The body weight gained from birth to weaning and weaning to six month were 62.36 and 27.86g per day, respectively. Male kids out performed their counterparts females on weight in all stages of growth and average daily gain. Single kids were heavier than those twin kids and had high growth rate. Kids born during the dry season were heavier than those born in the wet season. Year of birth had significant effect on weight at birth, weaning, six months, yearling, preweaning, and postweaning period. From the present results, growth performance of Blended goats outperformed Gogowhite and Ujiji goats. Variations in growth performance of Blended goats against Gogowhite and Ujiji goats implies genetic improvements that may be required for Small East African (SEA) goat strains if higher meat yields and faster market weights are desired.