Specialized selection indices for sangamneri goats under field conditions

The present study was undertaken by utilizing the data pertaining to 499 growth and 399 reproduction records of Sangamneri goats collected from All India Coordinated Research Project on Goats (Sangamneri field unit), Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (M.S.) from 2004 to 2008. The various growth and reproduction traits included in the study were body weights and measurements at 3, 6 and 9 months of age, age at first kidding, kidding interval and service period. Year of birth/kidding, season of birth/kidding, cluster of villages, sire and sex of the animal were considered as sources of variation. Selection indices were constructed using different traits in different combinations. The genetic change, aggregate genetic economic gain (ΔH) and relative efficiency of index were evaluated. It was observed that indices I₃ (M) [8.764(9MWT)+(−3.232) (9MBL)+1.438(9MHW)+(−1.467) (9MCG)] and I₆ (F)[3.519(3MWT)+3.527 (6MWT)+3.562 (9MWT) +0.354 (AFK)] were adjudged to be useful for male and female goats, respectively.