Evaluation of Morphometric and Reproductive Traits of Indigenous Dairy Goat Types in North Western Amhara, Ethiopia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the morphometric and reproductive traits of indigenous dairy goat types. It was conducted in three districts (Ebnat, Gonji-kolela and Farta) based on the agro-ecological differences, goat population potentials and experience of the farmers using goat milk. Semi-structured questionnaires, field observations, morphological and reproductive trait measurements were used. The results revealed that the average age at sexual maturity of male in Farta district, (Mean±SE) was 7.04 ± 0.41 months. However, age at first service of male goats was longer in Gonji kolela (9.84±0.95) and Ebnat (11.54±1.28) districts. The average body length (BL) for dairy, dual and meat type goats were 59.65 ± 0.58, 54.87 ± 0.69 and 55.52 ± 0.74 cm. The mean rear udder length, udder circumference and teat length were 17.14 ± 0.28, 31.39 ± 0.59 and 3.71 ± 0.07 cm, 14.21 ± 0.48, 26.75 ± 1.01 and 3.41 ± 0.12 cm and 13.44 ± 0.38, 24.67 ± 0.81 and 3.01 ± 0.09 cm, respectively. Whereas, the mean rear udder diameter for dairy, dual and meat types for female goats were 10.04 ± 0.22, 8.66 ± 0.37 and 8.01 ± 0.30 cm, respectively. Dairy type female goats had significantly higher (P<0.001) values for all udder and teat measurements than dual and meat type female goats. In conclusion, goat breeding and reproduction was not identified as dairy, meat and dual purpose types and there is no specialized dairy goat breeding, reproduction with corresponding production system. Therefore, evaluation of morphometric and reproductive traits of indigenous dairy type goats with specialized and intensive production system are crucial to increase the milk production and productivity.