Abstract
Data analysis in goat production, such as those related to body and scrotal measurements, indicate the productive and reproductive animal development. The current study aimed to evaluate the correlations between thoracic perimeter (TP), body length (BL), body compacity (BC), body volume (BV), and scrotal circumference (SC) with body weight (BW) in young male goats of Saanen and Boer breeds. It was used 38 Saanen and 24 Boer male goats, with age average of 7.2 ± 2.0 months. Thoracic perimeter and body length measurements were obtained using a tape measure (cm) and the live weight (kg) a mechanic scale. The variables body compacity (BC) and body volume (BV) were calculated using the equations: and . Boer breed showed live weight and body compacity higher than Saanen breed (p < 0.05). Regarding correlations between biometric measurements and body weight, we did not find any statistical differences between the breeds (p > 0.05). The scrotal circumference presented the lowest association with body weight (p < 0.05). However, all biometric measurements showed highly significant correlations with live body (p < 0.01). In conclusion, thoracic perimeter was the main measure of body weight predictor, considering efficiency and practical aspects.
Highlights
Dairy goat production in Brazil has been growing, due to several aspects that favor this animal breeding
In view of the above, this study aims to evaluate the correlations between body measurements and body weight in young male goats of Saanen and Boer breeds
Body measurements and their correlations with body weight were evaluated in young male goats of Saanen and Boer breed
Summary
Dairy goat production in Brazil has been growing, due to several aspects that favor this animal breeding. Among these aspects that support goat production can be cited: simple management, medium size, behavioral and milk and meat production from goats. The Southeast region, with 2.2% of Brazilian goat herd, is distinguished due to a goat dairy production in intensive system using exotic breeds (Ferreira et al, 2014). Besides the dairy goats in Brazil, there are meat goat breeds being raised (Hassum & Menezes, 2005). Among the exotic dairy and meat goat breeds raised in Brazil we can highlight: Saanen and Boer, respectively (Menezes et al, 2007). Brazilian goat production is mainly developed by small family producers with scarce resources for animal evaluation and selection
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
