Assessment of phenotype, its correlations and prediction of live body weight in goat (Capra hircus) raised under hot semi-arid region of India

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out on 1,070 local goats named as Udgiri goat in 242 villages from Marathwada and western Maharashtra during 2018 to 2021. The average body weight of adult Udgiri male goat is 42.77±3.94 kg while female weight is 32.98±3.44 kg and was highest than any other recognized indigenous goat breeds of Maharashtra. The average body length was 76.53±3.53 cm, height at withers was 74.65±1.65 cm, chest girth was 74.46±1.72 cm, paunch girth was 73.54±3.88 cm, tail length was 18.50±1.94 cm, horn length was 16.96±1.18 cm and ear length was 22.23±2.27 cm in male. While, in female goat, the average body length was 72.21±2.53 cm, height at withers was 68.7±2.68 cm, chest girth was 71.95±1.74 cm, paunch girth was 74.24±1.83 cm, tail length was 18.52±2.96 cm, horn length was 17.52±1.26 cm and ear length was 21.73±2.91 cm. The highest and positive significant correlation was noticed between live body weight and almost all body measurement parameters in all four age groups. The highest positive significant correlation (0.82) was found between live body weight and body length in the group of adult goat, hence, it may be used as selection criteria for goat and selection based upon these body measurements should improve the meat production. The multiple linear regression model revealed high level of coefficient of determination and low RMSE for prediction of live body weight using linear body measurements parameters.