Morphologic and morphometric characterization of local goats raised in low input system under sub-tropical climate of India

Abstract

Abstract Lack of knowledge on genetic and phenotypic diversity of goats and its adaptation in local environment impede the implementation of strategies for breeding and management. Hence, the present study was undertaken to characterize the local goats of Vindhyan region of India based on their morphology and morphometry. The study conducted in 308 males and 590 females indicates that the goats of studied population is small in size with black or brown coat colouration, grey skin and horns, black eyelids and hooves, black or brown muzzle and characteristics flat, curved and spiral or straight horns oriented either upward-backward-outward (93.24%) or upward-backward (6.76%). Forehead was straight to slightly convex, ears were flat, leafy and pendulous and tail was bunchy and curved upward. Beard was present on 36.14% of goat. Milk production was very low whereas dressing percentage was recorded as 47.6 ± 0.31%. The major breeding season was found to be May-July whereas litter size was recorded as 1.37. The morphological appearance and morphometric measurement of body length, height at wither, chest-girth, length of ear, horn and tail and body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9, 12 months as well as adult body weight (6 teeth) indicated that the studied goat population is phenotypically distinct from the other goats of the adjoining area and are important genetic resource of India.