Phenotypic Characterization and Reproductive Performance of Pallai Adu Goats of Tamil Nadu

Asurvey was conducted from July 2023 to January 2024 for phenotypic characterization of the Pallai Adu, a lesser-known goat population of Tamil Nadu. A total of 721 goats from 112 herds across 33 villages in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli and Tenkasi districts (Tamil Nadu) were evaluated for morphological, morphometric, body weight and reproductive traits. Pallai Adu goats had predominantly black coat colour (55.8%) with compact body conformation, short limbs and broad barrel. Morphometric measurements indicated a small-sized animal with height at withers (60.63±0.26 cm) and chest girth (65.76±0.22 cm) at full mouth age. These goats had a unique morphometric profile with pelvic girth exceeding chest girth and height at withers. Average overall body weights were 1.84±0.16 kg (birth), 6.64±0.24kg (3 months) and 29.84±0.33 kg (full mouth). Reproductive performance showed early maturity in them, first mating at 10.1 months (bucks) and 8.9 months (does), kidding interval of 7.6 months and gestation period of 150.3 days. The mean litter size was 2.05, with 44.56% of twin births. The study highlights Pallai Adu is a distinct and productive goat population adapted to low-input systems. These findings provide baseline data crucial for breed recognition, conservation and genetic improvement initiatives.