Factors affecting relative growth rate of pantja kids under field conditions

A study was conducted during 2015–16 to estimates the relative growth rate (RGR) of 805 Pantja kids born to 514 goats maintained by 56 registered farmers under All India Coordinated Research Project on Goats (Pantja Field Unit), College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand). The overall least-squares means for RGR during 0–3, 3–6, 6–9 and 9–12 months of age were 3.98±0.08, 0.37±0.02, 0.24±0.01 and 0.16±0.01 kg/kg, respectively. The random effect of sire was significant (P<0.01) on RGR 1 (0–3 months), RGR 2 (3–6 months) and RGR3 (6–9 months) whereas, it was significant (P<0.05) on RGR 4 (9–12 months). Cluster effect was significant (P<0.01) on RGR 2, RGR3, RGR and on RGR (P<0.05). Type of birth and sex of kid 4 1 effect was significant (P<0.05) on RGR₁ and RGR₂ and RGR₃ The heritability estimates for RGR1 to RGR4 were 0.24±0.08, 0.30±0.10, 0.25±0.08 and 0.47±0.13, respectively. It may be concluded from the study that the pre-weaning RGR was found to be higher as compared to post-weaning RGR. Most of the genetic and phenotypic correlations of relative growth rate were found to be negative between different periods. It may be inferred that the pre weaning relative growth rate was higher as compared to post weaning which indicated that the kids were given full care during this period. The RGRs in the post weaning periods in Pantja kids had good scope of improvement, which can be achieved through selection and better management of kids after weaning