Genetic analysis of body weights and average daily weight gains of Black Bengal goats of India

Abstract

The impact of environmental factors on growth traits was evaluated via least-squares analysis of variance followed by estimation of variance components along with heritability of different growth traits and average daily weight gain using simple animal model. Average body weights of Black Bengal kids at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 1.05±0.01, 3.13±0.05, 6.16±0.13, 9.12±0.46 and 11.28±0.40 kg., respectively. Average daily weight gains at 0-3 months (ADG0-3M), 3-6 months (ADG3-6M), 6-9 months (ADG6-9M) and 9-12 months (ADG9-12M) of age were 23.68±0.59, 31.80±1.21, 23.72±2.83 and 26.68±2.73 g respectively. The study revealed that birth-year of kids significantly (P<0.05) influenced the body weight traits and average daily weight gains (ADG) at different phases of growth, except for 9 months of age. Season of birth showed significant (P<0.05) effect on body weights and ADGs except for 12 months body weight and ADG9-12M. Significant variations for birth weight, 3-and 6-month weights as well as ADG0-3M of kids were observed in different parities of does. Male kids exhibited significantly higher body weights than their female counterparts at all ages except at birth and ADG9-12M. Birth status of kids showed significant effect on 6 months, ADG0-3M and ADG6-9M of animals. Direct heritability estimates of different growth traits were 0.12 to 0.44 whereas ADG at different phases of growth varied from 0.22 to 0.32; indicating some scope for genetic improvement of these traits under study may be possible through selection.