Phenotypic characterization and performance evaluation of Molai Adu goats in their native tract of Tamil Nadu

seevagan muniasamy; T. RAVIMURUGAN; S.M.K. Karthickeyan; T. Thamil Vanan; R. Rajendran; P. Gopu; T. Anna; T. Karuthadurai

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i4.169231

Authors

seevagan muniasamy Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli - 627 358
T. RAVIMURUGAN Professor, Livestock farm Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli – 627 358, Tamil Nadu
S.M.K. Karthickeyan Controller of Examination, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai – 600 051, Tamil Nadu
T. Thamil Vanan Professor and Head, Department of Livestock Production and Management, Madras veterinary College, Chennai – 600 007, Tamil Nadu
R. Rajendran Director of Research, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai – 600 051, Tamil Nadu
P. Gopu Professor and Head, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli – 627 358, Tamil Nadu
T. Anna Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary Parasitology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli – 627 358, Tamil Nadu
T. Karuthadurai Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli – 627 358, Tamil Nadu

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i4.169231

Keywords:

Molai Adu goat, morphometric traits, morphological traits, reproductive performance

Abstract

This study documented the habitat and characterized the morphological, morphometric, production, and reproductive traits of Molai Adu goats in Tamil Nadu. Data were collected from 699 goats of both sexes across different age groups (birth, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months; 2-tooth, 4-tooth, 6-tooth, and full-mouth stages) through field surveys conducted in 29 villages within the Gobichettipalayam, Perundurai, Nambiyur, Bhavani, and Erode blocks of Erode district. Morphological traits, body weights, and linear body measurements were recorded, and information on reproductive was obtained through direct observation and farmer interviews. Molai Adu goats are medium-sized, predominantly white in colour with occasional light brown patches. The pooled means for height at withers at 2-tooth, 4-tooth, 6-tooth, and full-mouth stages were 61.25 ± 0.14, 63.92 ± 0.62, 65.96 ± 0.14, and 68.44 ± 0.26 cm, respectively. Corresponding chest girth values were 66.26 ± 0.22, 70.81 ± 0.58, 72.18 ± 0.26, and 74.02 ± 0.24 cm. The least-squares means for body weight across sexes were 25.28 ± 0.33 kg (2-tooth), 27.82 ± 0.26 kg (4-tooth), 31.24 ± 0.36 kg (6-tooth), and 35.42 ± 0.28 kg (full mouth). The average kidding interval was 8.2 months, with a mean litter size of 1.85 across parities. The study confirms that Molai Adu goats possess distinct physical and functional traits that differentiate them from other native breeds of Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the importance of formal recognition and conservation efforts to safeguard this unique genetic resource.

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Author Biography

seevagan muniasamy, Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli - 627 358

M.V.Sc., in Animal genetics and breeding

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