Performance of Zalawadi goats under range conditions

Abstract

Data recorded from 166 flocks of dual-purpose Zalawadi goats of Surendranagar district of Gujarat, was analyzed to evaluate performance and production environment. Sizable flocks (25–50%) resort to periodic migration (5–8 months) towards North and South Gujarat during summer and spring. Males for breeding were selected initially from high yielding (2.5–3, kg peak yield) dam’s subsequently on their growth and finally on sex libido, mostly (67%) from their own flock. Females, initially selected on the basis of morphology, followed by milk yield, udder and teat size, body height, lactation length and body weight. Bucks were observed with 48.23% flocks with proportions of 1:71 of buck and breedable females. Maximum goats (87%) were bred in summer on account of better biomass availability for pregnant does with onset of rain in July. The averages of age at first kidding, lactation length, kidding interval and herd life were 22.17±0.16, 6.57±0.31, 11.28±0.87 and 91±7 months, respectively. The multiple birth rates observed were 57%. The average milk yield recorded at fortnightly interval ranged from 1.09 (first parity) to 1.42 litre (fourth parity) with an average of 1.17±0.09 litre in 120 days. Average mortality in kids and adults was about 10 and 5%, respectively. Grass root infrastructure available in the state for sheep development may be utilized for goat development by state government to motivate goat keepers for the adoption of strategic management inputs, proper selection and judicious utilization of bucks, marketing of goats and goat products.