Colour variation and reproduction in the West African dwarf (WAD) goats

Abstract

Reproductive performance and preweaning growth in the West African dwarf (WAD) goat were studied with respect to variations of coat colour. 720 WAD does of varying colours were used in this study. Although fertility rates did not vary much with coat colour, prolificacy and fecundity rates were highly affected by coat colour types. Also, litter sizes at birth and at weaning, and weaning weights were affected ( P < 0.05) by coat colour. Age at first kidding, kidding interval, gestation length and birth weights were not affected significantly. However, age at first kidding and birth weight increased with decrease in pigmentation intensity. Black does gave birth for the first time at a relatively young age compared with brown and white does. While the white does kidded for the first time at the age of 519 days on the average, brown and black does kidded for the first time at the average age of 468 and 447 days, respectively. Similarly, the black does had the largest litters both at birth and at weaning. In addition, they weaned the heaviest kids at 120 days of age. Percentage mortality was higher among the white does (41%), suggesting that coat colour plays an important role in the adaptation and survival of the WAD goat breed. Selection for breed identification mark on the basis of coat colour would likely favour the black goats following the results of their performance in this study.