Original scientific paper
THE REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF MILK GOATS IN REPUBLIC OF CROATIA
Anita Hrbud
; Božidara Adžije 13, 10000 Zagreb
Boro Mioč
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Agronomski fakultet, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb
Valentino Držaić
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Agronomski fakultet, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb
Abstract
Noble goat breeds (Alpine, Saanen, German Improved Fawn) primary are intended for milk production, but because of the good reproductive characteristics and satisfactory average daily gains they are also important for goat kid meat production. Reproductive characteristics largely affect the profitability of each livestock production including goat breeding. The aim of this study was to determine the average litter size, sex ratio and the effect of breed, sex, litter size and the order of kidding on the birth weight of kids. Data required for the implementation of this study were obtained from the central database of Croatian Agricultural Agency. The studies included a total of 3775 kids from the three-year period as follows: 2890 Alpine, 542 Fawn and 343 Saanen breed. In litters of Alpine and Saanen breeds it was recorded higher proportion of female goat kids in all kidding’s (from first to fifth), while significantly higher proportion of male goat kids was found in Fawn breed. In Saanen’s and Fawn’s litters it was the most singles, then twins and triplets, while in the Alpine’s it was the most twins, then the singles and triples. The highest average birth weight was determined in Alpine goat kids (3.44 kg), and lowest in Fawn goat kids (2.84 kg). In all three investigated breeds considerably greater birth weight of male goat kids compared to female goat kids was determined. The highest average birth weight was determined in singles, and with increasing litter size the birth weight of goat kids decreased. It was determined statistically significant effect (P <0.0001) of breed, sex, litter size and the order of kidding on the goat kids birth weight.
Keywords
breed; birth weight; sex; litter size; order of kidding
Hrčak ID:
135254
URI
Publication date:
30.4.2014.
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