Effect of Season on Kidding and Birth Weight in Osmanabadi Goats Reared in an Organized Farm

Abstract

The goat contributes significantly to Indian national economy through production of meat, milk, skin and fibre. Osmanabadi goat is a well recognized goat breed known for their meat producing ability and majestic appearance, forms an integral part of livelihood for poor small and marginal farmers including landless agricultural labourers. Production traits are affected by various non-genetic factors like sex, season and type of birth as reported. Hence, an attempt has been made to appreciate the pattern of seasonal births and their effect on birth weight in Osmanabadi goats under semi-intensive system of management reared in an organized farm. The study area has three distinct seasons namely summer, rainy and winter seasons. The birth records of the goats were analyzed for six years (2003–2008). All the kiddings recorded during the period were classified into three seasons, namely summer (March–June), rainy (July–October) and winter (November–February). The births recorded were also classified according to their sexes. Birth weights of 288 kids were classified according to sexes and season. Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods. The 396 births recorded during the study period revealed that in the Osmanabadi goats, the major kidding season was winter in which 48.95% of all births take place followed by summer (33.68%) and rainy (17.36%) seasons. The birth weight of kids differed significantly (P