An investigation was carried out on 40 Marwari, 20 Jamunapari and 40 crossbred goats (Marwari X Jamunapari). The three genotypes were reared under semi intensive system whereain all the lactating goats were supplemented with concentrate @ 200g/head/day. The data on growth, body measurement, milk production and reproductive efficiency were analysed for assessing overall productivity of these genotypes. Introduction of Jamunapari inheritance in Marwari breed resulted in significant (P<0.05) improvement in crossbred as compared to Marwari breed with respect to body weight at 12 months (20.9 vs 23.6 kg), total lactation milk yield (83.1 vs 107.7 lit), fat % (2.80 vs 3.10%) and peak yield (1.04 vs 1.84 l). Age at first kidding in crossbred was reduced by 103 days whereas twinning percent was increased by 24% indicating improvement in prolificacy by crossing. Based on this study crossing of Marwari with large sized Jamunapari breed may be recommended for improving the overall productivity of Marwari breed under semi-intensive conditions of arid zone.
Arid, Goat, Growth, Jamunapari, Marwari, Productivity, Reproduction
