Evaluation of morphometric characteristics and performance of Totapari goats in their native habitat

Abstract

This study evaluates the morphometric features and performance of the Totapari goat breed. To study the
morphometric features and performance of the Totapari goat, the first field survey in India was conducted in
their native region in Alwar and Bharatpur districts of Rajasthan state during 2023-24. According to the interview
schedule, a total of 36 villages were randomly selected based on the population of 10070 Totapari goats and
176 goat keepers were chosen through random sampling for this study. Data on morphometric features and
performance were collected across various age groups of the animals. The Totapari goat is typically large in
size and is considered the second largest goat breed in India, following the Jamunapari goat. The goat named
“Totapari” is easily recognised by its distinctive parrot-like facial appearance, characterised by a Roman nose
and inward-curving upper muzzle and nostrils which makes them stand out from other goat breeds. Totapari
goat has a white coat with small brown spots or a completely pale-red colour on its head, neck and ears. The
ears measure 29.41±0.45 cm in length, with a long, flat and drooping ear. The nose has a Roman shape (double
parrot mouth appearance) with a tuft of hair in male and the horns, which measure 17.26±0.98 cm directed
backward to medium size horns. Male goats have a long beard and the tail length averages 20.74±0.46 cm. The
overall body weight of male and female Totapari goats from birth to 18 months was recorded as 3.65±0.02 to
88.86±1.02 kg and 3.43±0.03 to 64.54±0.18 kg, respectively. The average chest girth, body length, and height at
the withers were 48.69±0.86 cm, 46.00±1.16 cm and 47.27±0.85 cm in males, and 78.61±0.18 cm, 76.88±0.18
cm and 77.18±0.19 cm in females, respectively. The milk yield averaged 988.02±1.96 gm per day, with milk
containing 3.34±0.01% fat and 8.25±0.01% SNF (solids-not-fat). The average lactation period was recorded as
283.03±0.26 days. The first mating occurred at 414.15±3.99 days in males and 390.98±1.66 days in females,
with the first oestrus in females at 334.97±2.61 days and an oestrus cycle duration of 20.22±0.05 days. The first
kidding was observed at 540.53±1.84 days, with an average kidding interval of 360.85±0.67 days. The average
litter size for Totapari goats was 1.98±0.01, and the lifetime number of kiddings was recorded as 9.08±0.09.
The findings provide insights into the breed’s adaptability, productivity, and potential for genetic improvement,
making it a valuable resource for sustainable livestock farming in arid and semi-arid regions.