Age-specific mortality of female beetal and crossbred goats

The age-specific mortality of 903 Beetal and crossbred female kids born during 1968 to 1985 indicated that pre weaning (0–3 month), post weaning (3–12 month) and 12 month-age at first kidding (AFK) mortality averaged to 17.3, 5.1 and 8.6%, respectively, About two third of preweaning mortality occurred during first month of life. Genetic group of kids had no effect on pre and post-weaning mortality whereas it was significantly higher among purebred Beetal kids during one year to AFK. Period and season of kidding significantly affected the mortality during first two month of age. Parity order of kidding had no bearing on mortality rates expect during second month of age.