Economic traits of indigenous goats of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, under range management

Abstract

A Study was carried out to characterize the various economic traits of purely indigenous (Local) goats belonging to 70 flocks in seven district of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. The goats are of medium size (72.30±2.52, 69.20±2.90 and 70.90±3.15 cm average body length, height and heart girth in males, respectively), well built, reared mostly for meat production and have well adoption to agro climatic zones of Bundelkhand region. The coat colour varies from complete grayish, admixture of white and brown, black and brown or complete black also. The goats are of migratory nature. Flock size varies from 20 to 85 with an average of 45. Goats are housed during nights in temporarily thatched shed supported by wooden or bamboo sticks with an earthen floor. The goats are maintained solely on grazing without supplementary feeding, except during kidding or sickness. They are allowed for grazing daily 6-7 hours throughout the year. Inbreeding is followed, since long back from the males, available in their existing own flock. The average body weights of male at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months of ages were 2.10±0.09, 8.42±0.35, 13.90±1.01, 17.02±1.60, 23.05±1.90 and 27.50±2.50 kg respectively. Corresponding body weights of females were 1.84±0.07, 7.80±0.42, 12.90±0.69, 17.02±1.60, 19.30±1.12 and 24.53±1.20 kg respectively. The average age at first kidding and kidding interval were 598±2.92 and 295.80±2.87 days respectively. The twins and triplets recorded were 51.4 and 5.75% respectively. The average milk yield recorded was 0.55±0.17 litre a day. The lactation yield was 91.50±1.15 litre in 142±0.97 days. The overall average mortality was 6.75% in pre-weaned kids and 4.9% in adults, in lack of suitable control measure. The net return/goat was Rs. 1,002 with a BC ratio of 1.57. The most populous, indigenous goats have enormous capacity to contribute well with minimum inputs to the livelihood of resource poor's, due to its overall performances and the improvements in their existing feeding, breeding, housing and health management practices will prove a very effective tool for rural employment and income generation in the region.