Phenotypic Correlations and Relationship Estimations between Litter Size, Kidding Interval, Parity and Body Size Characteristics in Red Sokoto Goat

Abstract

Data from 1330 Red Sokoto goats were used to study the phenotypic correlation and relationship estimations between litter size, kidding interval, parity and body size characteristics in Red Sokoto goat. The data were collected from two areas; Saunawa and Amarzakawa villages, all in Kano State, Nigeria. The traits recorded were litter size, kidding interval, body weight and body measurements viz height-at-withers, body length and chest girth. These were taken at mating, during pregnancy, at kidding and 60 days post kidding. The data were analysed using General Linear Model of SAS. The average litter size, kidding interval, height-atwithers, body length and chest girth recorded were 1.45, 6.9 month, 67.0, 73.0, 79.0cms receptively. Litter size had positive correlation (p < 0.01) with KI, Mwt, PKwt, Kwt, 60d PKwt, HAW, BL, and CG; and KI had positive correlations (p <0.01) with Mwt, Kwt, 60d PKwt, HAW, BL and CG. There was significant effect (p < 0.01) of parity of the doe on LS, KI, Mwt, Kwt, 60d PKwt, HAW, BL and CG. Correlations between LS, KI, Mwt, HAW, BL and CG were significant (p < 0.01) and ranged between (r = 0.30) and (r = 0.93). This study indicated that body weight and measurements showed significant and positive correlations and the tendency to show some progress with progressing age and parity; these characters could be improved by conditioning the environment.