Phenotypic characterization of Sonpari goats in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh

A study was carried out to characterize Sonpari goats in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh. Phenotypic characteristics and reproductive traits were collected from farmer's flock in 16 villages of Sonbhadra district. The mean measurements for length, heart girth and height at withers in males and females were 61.17±0.59 and 59.54±0.51 cm, 72.39±0.35 and 70.92±0.39 cm and 67.32±0.42 and 65.66±0.38 cm respectively. The mean body weights at birth, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months in males and females were 1.69±0.03 and 1.65±0.02 kg, 7.02±0.07 and 6.81±0.09 kg, 11.64±0.11 and 11.08±0.13 kg, 20.13±0.30 and 19.69±0.22 kg and 26.95±0.36 and 24.11±0.16 kg respectively. The predominant colour was tan with black trim. Beard was found in 86% males and wattles in 24.4% animals. Goats attained puberty at 8.02±0.10 months and body weights of 19.99±0.29kg at sexual maturity. Litter size of 1.76±0.11 was recorded in the animals. These goats need to be registered and conserved in strategic manner for sustainable use.