Growth Performance of Salem Black Goats Under Farm Conditions

To assess the effects of various non-genetic factors and inbreeding influencing growth traits of Salem Black goats under farm conditions, data (n=991) on pedigree and growth traits of Salem Black goats from 2005 to 2022 were used for the study. The least squares means for weight at birth (BW), weaning (WW), 6-months (6W), 9-months (9W) and 12-months (12W) were 2.08±0.02, 8.97±0.15, 12.89±0.24, 15.33±0.33, and 20.54±0.43 kg, respectively. The mean pre-and post-weaning average daily gains (ADG) during 0-3, 3-6, 6-9, 9-12 and 3-12 months were 76.17±1.63, 39.40±2.14, 25.94±2.79, 52.64±3.65 and 40.59±1.69 g, respectively. Period of birth had significant (P<0.01) effect on all the growth traits. Season of birth had significant (P<0.01/0.05) effect on all growth traits except 9W and ADG during 3-12 months. The effect of type of birth was significant (P<0.01/0.05) for BW, WW, 9W, 12W, pre-weaning ADG, post-weaning ADG during 9-12 months. Sex of kid had significant (P<0.01) effect on all growth traits except post-weaning ADG at 3-6 months. Dam parity showed non-significant effect on growth traits except for BW, while dam weight at kidding significantly affected BW, WW, 6W, and pre-weaning ADG. The effect of inbreeding was non-significant for all the growth traits. The study concluded that non-genetic factors affect the growth traits in Salem Black goats. Hence they should be considered to guide improved management and for suitable adjustment of data for genetic analysis.