IN LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT - HEC

COMPARATIVE PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE

PERFORMANCE OF BEETAL GOATS IN ACCELERATED

AND ANNUAL KIDDING SYSTEMS

By

Nisar Ahmad 2005-VA-249

A THESIS SUBMITTED IN THE PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE

OF

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

IN

LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT

DEPARTMENT OF LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION FACULTY OF ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND TECHNOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF VETERINARY & ANIMAL SCIENCES

LAHORE PAKISTAN 2013

ii

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, THE MERCIFUL, THE COMPASSIONATE

iii

To

The Controller of Examinations,

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,

Lahore.

We the supervisory committee, certify that the contents and form of the thesis,

submitted by Mr. Nisar Ahmad, Regd. No. 2005-VA-249 have been found satisfactory and

recommend that it be processed for the evaluation by the External Examiner for the award of the

degree.

SUPERVISOR:

(PROF. DR. KHALID JAVED)

MEMBER:

(PROF. DR. MUHAMMAD ABDULLAH)

MEMBER:

(DR. ABU SAEED HASHMI)

iv

Holy prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised

That;

SEEK KNOWLEDGE FROM

CRADLE TO GRAVE

v

DEDICATION

I

DEDICATE THIS EFFORT TO

MY RESPECTED TEACHERS

AND

EXCELLENTLY PRECIOUS

PARENTS’ AND MY FAMILY

WHO’S

ASCENDING STRUGGLE MADE ME TO LEARN

vi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

While writing acknowledgements for this manuscript a modest effort for which I can not

make any tall claims, it is meant for students not for scholars. I have tried my best to share clearly

and specifically my findings and experience with the readers. First of all I bow my head before

“ALLAH”, who blessed me with good health, kind parents, talented teachers, sincere friends and an

opportunity for undertaking this work. I offer my thanks to the Holy Prophet “Muhammad”

(S.A.W.) who is forever a torch of guidance and knowledge for humanity as a whole.

I reckon it as my supreme satisfaction to avail this opportunity to express deep sense of

obligation to my supervisor, Prof. Dr. Khalid Javed and the members of the supervisory committee

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abdullah, Dr Abu Saeed Hashmi, for their determined assistance, kind

behavior, ethical hold up and progressive supervision during the whole study period. Their efforts

towards the inculcation of the spirit of steady hard work and the maintenance of proficient integrity

will always serve as a beam of light throughout the path of my life.

I am warmly thankful to Dr. Jalees Ahmed Bhatti, for his heartening attitude, stimulating

guidance and positive criticism for the accomplishment of this manuscript and Mr. Imran Mohsin,

Farm Officer Small Ruminant Training and Research Center (SRT & RC),Ravi campus Pattoki, for

his technical support.I also wish to express my warm and sincere thanks to Mr. Talib Hussain, Mr.

Muhammad Ashraf, Mr. Muhammad Safdar, Mr. Muhammad Yaqoob, Mr.Muhammad Iqbal,

Mr. Umar Hayat and Mr. Allah Rakha for their hard work. They remained involved physically

while measuring the kids.

I am extremely grateful to my companions Prof. Dr. Masroor Ellahi Babar, Dr. Mian Abdul

Sattar, Dr. Muhammad Nasrullah, Mr. Umair Younas, Mr. Zeeshan Iqbal and beloved brothers

and sisters for their cooperation, assistance and moral support during my research.

Thank you parents and elder brother“Bashir Ahmed”, it is the result of your kindness and

enduring hard work for me. Special thanks to my wife, son and daughters whose continous and

stunning efforts as well as moral support always gave me enthusiasim during whole phase of my

studies.They suffered a lot when I remained away from them for research.

(Nisar Ahmad)

vii

CONTENTS

DEDICATION _______________________________________ v ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS____________________________ iv

LIST OF CONTENTS ________________________________ vii

LIST OF TABLES____________________________________ viii

LIST OF FIGURES __________________________________ ix

LIST OF ANNEXTURES _____________________________ x

LIST Of ABBREVIATIONS___________________________ xi

CHAPTER TITLE Page No.

1 INTRODUCTION 1

2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 4

3 EXPERIMENT-1 48

4 EXPERIMENT-2 66

5 EXPERIMENT-3 78

6 FIGURES 133

7 SUMMARY 138

8 ANNEXTURE 141

viii

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE No. TITLE Page No.

2.1 Means of number of service per conception in different goat breeds 17

3.1 Reproductive parameters in different groups of Beetal goats 65

4.1 Various reproductive parameters in Beetal goats during different

breeding seasons. 77

5.1 Productive and reproductive performance in Beetal goats under

accelerated and annual kidding systems 130

5.2 Comparative productive performance in Beetal goats kids under


5.3 Means of kidding interval (days) between accelerated and annual

kidding systems

132

5.4 Economics of annual and accelerated kidding systems 132

ix

LIST OF FIGURES

Sr. No. TITLE Page

No.

5.1 Breeding pattern for does under annual kidding system 83

5.2 Breeding pattern for does under accelerated kidding 84

6.1 Trends of attaining weight at 3, 6 and 9 months of age by accelerated vs.

annual kid crops 133

6.2 Trends of attaining growth at 3, 6 and 9 months of age by accelerated vs annual

kid crops 133

6.3. Services per conception by different goats by accelerated and annual kidding

systems 134

6.4 Litter size by different goats in accelerated and annual kidding systems 135

6.5 Weight of different crops at 3 months in accelerated and annual kidding

systems 135

6.6 Weight of different crops of goats at 6 months of age 136

6.7 Weight of different crops of goats at 9 months of age 136

6.8 Comparison of economics of production between annual and accelerated

kidding systems 137

x

LIST OF ANNEXTURES

Sr. No. TITLE Page

No.

I Blood serum constituents in different groups of Beetal goats 140

II Comparative morphmetric measurements in Beetal goats kids under


III Analysis of Variance of length for Beetal goat kids at 3, 6 and 9 months of age 142

IV Analysis of Variance of heart girth for Beetal goat kids at 3, 6 and 9 months

of age 143

V

Analysis of Variance of height for Beetal goat kids at different months of

age

144

VI Trends of attaining length at 3, 6 and 9 months of age by accelerated vs

annual kid crops 145

VII Trends of attaining girth at 3, 6 and 9 months of age by accelerated vs annual

kid crops 145

VIII Trends of attaining height at 3, 6 and 9 months of age by accelerated vs annual

kid crops 146

IX Analysis of Variance for birth weight and weight at different months of age in

Beetal goat kids 147

X Analysis of Variance for growth rate in Beetal goat kids at different months of

age 148

xi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

Abreviations Complete Words Abreviations Complete Words

Ad lib Ad libitum Kg Kilogram

ADG Average daily gain LH leutizing hormone ANOVA Analysis of variance MAP Medroxyprogeterone acetate

BCS Body condition score mg/dL Milligrams per deciliter

Cm Centimeter mg/mL Miligram per militer

CR Conception rate mM Milimoles per litre

DF Degree of freedom Mug Microgram

dL-l No. of grams per 100mL N Number

E2 Estrogen NGO Non government

organization

eCG Equine chorionic gonadotropin NRC National research council

et al And others P(4) Progesterone FSH Follicle stimulating hormone PG Prostaglandin

gm/dL Gram per deciliter PGF2α Prostaglandin F2 alpha

gm/L Gram per liter PMSG Pregnant mare serum

gonadotropin

GDP Gross domestic product PMSG Pregnant mare serum

gonadotropin

Gms Grams R Rambouillet

GnRH Gonadotropin releasing hormone S Suffolk

GPG

protocol

Gonadotropin releasing

hormone, Prostaglandin F2 alpha

and Gonadotropin releasing

hormone

S.E.M Scanning Electron

Microscopy

hCG Human chorionic Gonadotrophin SAS Statistical analysis software

HMG Human Menopasual

Gonadotrophin

SR Suffolk x Rambouillet

IBD inflammatory bowel disease SRT & RC Small Ruminant Training and

Research Center IU International units

1

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Livestock sub sector of agriculture accounts for 55.1% agriculture value

added and 11.6% of the GDP (Anonymous, 2012). Rapid economic development is

putting pressure on livestock sector to enhance its production in the form of meat and

milk. The livestock industry of Pakistan comprises mainly on cattle, buffalo, goats

and sheep. This country possesses the highest number (63.1 million) of goat shared

by diversity of 25 breeds including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (Anonymous, 2012).

Goat farming is growing at the most rapid pace over the last few years in Pakistan

which is the solely demand oriented potential of this industry (Anonymous, 2006).

Interest in goat farming is at its peak since the last decade of 20th century

because the role of goat is well established in aimal protein as well as in economic

uplift of poor masses in the tropics and subtropics (Peters and Horst, 1981), but also

constitutes an important component of traditional farming systems (Devendra, 1990).

Goat is a better option as farm animal in the tropics and subtropics as it can withstand

dehydration and has better browsing habit which enables it to survive where cattle

and sheep farming is difficult (Steele, 1996).

Goats are found in almost all ecological zones of tropics and subtropics i.e

arid, semiarid, humid and subhumid but major population of goats is found in dry

tropical and subtropical areas mainly due to poor agricultural production (Jahnke,

1982; Peters, 1988; Lebbie and Ramsay, 1999; Morand-Fehr and Boyazoglu, 1999

and Iniguez, 2004). The increased efficiency of small ruminants is defined as an

INTRODUCTION

2

increased ratio of output (lifetime production) to input (labour, feed, and management

costs). Life time production is measured in terms of main products from goats viz.

meat, milk and fiber in case of some special breeds. High reproductive rate has

significant impact on efficiency of production, which means more animals for sale as

meat and a higher selection differential leading to a faster response to selection. The

most important tool for enhanced reproductive efficiency is accelerated kidding

which can be defined as three kidding in two years or five kidding in three years. The

most significant advantage of an accelerated kidding in production program is to fetch

higher market prices during off season of the year from the sale of smaller kids.

Managemental conditions, in which the animals are reared, are also important

factors to govern the success of accelerated kidding. The goats planned to kid thrice

in two years through synchronization, importantly result in higher meat production

particularly during anestrus (Schneider and Stanko, 2005). Although, breeding and

kidding thrice per two years may be a feasible strategy but it is affected by season of

breeding other than farm management conditions. Significant affect of season on

kidding has been reported by different researchers and suggested to keep this factor in

mind while planning for accelerated kidding because the season not only affects

animal’s physiology directly but also has relationship with forage availability

(Buckrell, et al. 1994; Brown and Jackson, 1995). Beetal breed of goat is mainly

found in central districts of Punjab, Pakistan which is being raised in rural areas and

also at government livestock farms. Most of Beetal goats do not follow seasonal

breeding pattern and reproduce round the year with a peak breeding season during

autumn. Year round breeding management in commercial flocks with high kid

INTRODUCTION

3

mortality has been observed during severe seasons. The progressive farmers have

adopted controlled breeding pattern for specific seasons (once a year) for

convenience. To have more kids, accelerated kidding strategy is a viable option by

providing year-round adequate nutrition. This may also help to have better health and

fertility. It has been observed that flushing ration provided to breeding does (feamale

goats) increases the chances of multiple births. The increase in sperm count of bucks

and mature oocytes of goats may also have been observed. Over feeding during

flushing can have more fat deposition on animal’s body, lowering their conception

rates in females by facing difficulties at kidding time and loss of libido in male. To

overcome the production of mutton in the country, there is a dire need to have more

and more kids from the existing flocks. Such accelerated kidding may have different

management problems which should be handled for better productive efficiency. This

is the need of time to study in detail the two systems of breeding in beetal goats

production. Keeping in view all these facts, present study has been planned to

compare two breeding systems with the following objectives:

To optimize reproductive management in goats.

To compare the economics for annual and accelerated kidding systems.

To find out simple and economical method for reproductive management by

inducing estrus out of season.

To suggest new breeding plans for Beetal goats for maximum returns.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

4

Chapter 2


Efficient goat production requires the producers to market the goats

throughout the year. In countries like Pakistan where goats and sheep are used for

sacrificial purposes by following the lunar year dependant Muslim festivals, it

becomes even more important to have kids crop of certain age suitable for such

occasions and that is only possible when the goats are managed to breed independent

of the time of year. Although, the goats in tropical and subtropical regions do not

follow a strict seasonal breeding pattern, however they do exhibit higher reproductive

activity in certain time of the year (Freitas et al., 2004)

Seasonal breeding is one of the obstacles for year round continuous supply of

goat and goat products. Many breeds of goats show a distinct breeding pattern during

a year (Restall, 1992; Delgadillo et al., 1999; Rivera et al., 2003). Reproductive

seasonality represents a natural adaptation that provides important advantages for

birth and offspring survival and development, as lambing/kidding coincides with

good weather and maximum availability of forage (Ungerfeld, 2003). Food

availability controls the the timing of the annual ovulatory period in subtropical and

tropical latitudes (Bronson, 1989; Asher et al., 1999; Walkden-Brown and Bocquier,

2000). However the female goats reared indoors with well-nourished conditions still

exhibited seasonality in reproduction (Restall, 1992; Rivera et al., 2003; Duarte et al.,

2008). It is believed that photoperiod is the environmental factor other than food

availability that determines the sexual activity in sheep and goat (Delgadillo et al.,

2004; Malpaux, 2006; Chemineau et al., 2004; Duarte et al., 2010; Delgadillo et al.,

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921448812003471#bib0020


5

2011). Photoperiod signals are converted by pineal gland into a hormonal signal, and

this signal regulates the reproductive season (Maeda et al 1988). The detailed

mechanism can be reviewed in scientific literature (Goodman RL., 1982; deNicolo,

2007; Reiter et al; 2009).

Several techniques are being practiced to overcome the seasonality in

breeding. It includes the use of hormones like progestoron, equine chorionic

gonadotropin (also known as pregnant mare’s serum gonadotropin) and melatonin.

The managemental techniques like artificial photoperiod (controlling day length by

keeping animals indoor), selection according to onset of breeding season and the

introduction of buck to start reproductive cycle in females ( Smith et al.1989;

Ungerfeld, 2003; deNicolo, 2007). The hormonal treatment with prostaglandin F2

alpha (PGF2α) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is considered to be the

best technique for estrus synchronization in goats. However in tropical and

subtropical regions, this technique may also be effective to enhance the reproductive

activity during low breeding season (Mahmoud et al., 2011).

Efficient goat production requires the producers to manage the breeding

behavior of goats. Though the goats are seasonal breeder in temperate regions of

world, however it is possible to breed females out of breeding season for having three

crops during a period of two years through the administration of hormones or other

management practices. According to the findings of Ali and Khan (2008) the Beetal

goats are not true seasonal breeders in tropical and sub-tropical environment.

Although, these goats have two peaks of breeding in a year (autumn and spring).

These goats breed at a low pace throughout the year. Khuthu et al (2013) analysed

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921448812003471#bib0020


6

data of Teddy goats collected from three government farms (Rakh Ghulaman, Rakh

Khaira wala and Chak Katora) and reported that Teddy does breed throughout the

year and are not a true seasonal breeder.This work focuses on the practical aspects of

accelerated kidding in goats by inducing estrus in anestrus season.

2.1 Hormonal Treatment for induction of heat in an-estrus does

Anestrus is a problem which affects the reproductive performance among

livestock species. Estrus synchronization has recently attracted the attention of goat

breeders for its benefits to induce controlled breeding. This makes it possible for the

farmers to get the benefit of market, availability of feed and man power in order to

reduce the production costs. The main objective of estrus induction in lactating does

in the past was to increase milk production. However, the trend of estrus

synchronization in goats has switched over from milk production to chevon

production in different parts of the world. The techniques of estrus synchronization

includes, the flushing of goats by changing the nutritional regime, management,

alteration of light period, introduction of buck in does all year round with buck effect

and combination of hormonal treatment. The hormonal treatment with prostaglandin

F2 alpha (PGF2α) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) is considered to be

the best technique for estrus synchronization in goats. This problem can also be

addressed through heat induction in animals by using different methods. The

literature evidence for inducing heat in small ruminants is being summarized in

following paragraphs.

Through the use of FSH as an alternative to PMSG, estrus induction and

conception rates were found to be 45 and 32%, respectively in two groups of sheep


7

(Lofstedt and Eness, 1982). In West African Dwarf goats, it was observed that with

the use of PGF2 alpha at the rate 5 and 10mg, estrus synchronization can be achieved

(Akusu and Eqbunike, 1984). Inconsistent response has been reported with different

doses of GnRH administered to sheep and goats for estrus induction by many workers

in different breeds (Mcleod and Haresign., 1984, Boland et al., 1987 and Robin et al.,

1994).

While investigating the problem of seasonally anestrus does, an injection of

1500 ng GnRH was administered, helped in estrus induction among all the goats. It

was also found that GnRH can be injected even during peak lactation for this purpose

in seasonally anestrus goats (Knight et al., 1988). However, injection of 20mg

progesterone prior to GnRH administration showed no estrus (Brown et al., 1988).

While studying the effect of GnRH injection in Lohi sheep, it was found that use of

GnRH improved the reproductive performance of sheep (Lashari and Tasawar, 2010).

The exogenous injection followed by application of PGF2α has been reported to

improve estrous behavior in small ruminants (Mitchell et al., 2003, Cardenas et al.,

2004, Reyna et al., 2007, Kulcsar et al., 2006, Deligiannis et al., 2005, Cam et al.,

2002). Progesterone priming prior to PGF2α treatment improved the reproductive

performance in Mountain Black goats (Husein et al., 2005). It has been found that

injection of GnRH in ewes has positive effect for the induction of estrus symptoms

(Reyna et al., 2007, Kulcsar et al., 2006, Caraty et al., 2002, Bartlewski et al., 2004).

As another strategy, ewes can be treated to induce estrus with progestagen sponges,

teaser ram stimulations, or melatonin implants plus teaser ram stimulations or

melatonin implants in combination with progestrone may be provided (Gates et al.,


8

1998, Stellflug et al., 2001, DeNicolo et al., 2008, Chao et al., 2008).

A trial was designed to find out wheither or not exogenous gonadotropin

releasing hormone (GnRH) improves the onset of estrus in dwarf goats. It was found

that GnRH had non-significant effect on the onset of estrus. Moreover, treatment by

GnRH improved the synchrony of the surge (Pierson et al., 2003). In dairy Awassi

ewes, synchronization protocols were used during out of breeding season. It was

observed that gonadotropin releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2 alpha and gonadotropin

releasing hormone (GPG) protocol could only be effective when used near to the

natural breeding season (Faigl et al., 2008). It was concluded that progestagen

supplement could be safely used to improve reproductive performance of ewes being

bred out of season (Husein and Abahneh, (2008). The injection of PGF2 alpha in

Awassi ewes reduced the induction of estrus-onset and estrus-end time gap with

progestagen-PMSG (Turk et al., 2008). Super ovulation was induced in Nubian and

Nubian crossbred dairy goats with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and

prostaglandin. It was concluded that GnRH is effective for super ovulation in

conjunction with FSH (Krisher et al., 1994). It has been made clear from the above

review that most of the work has been done on estrus induction in small ruminants i.e.

ewes. Whereas, research work pertaining to heat induction in goats is rare. Hence this

aspect needs to be explored, especially in goats of this region.

2.2 Buck Effect:

The buck effect is very useful technique for breeding of small ruminants for

accelerated kidding in goats. In this approach bucks are introduced to females which


9

increase gonadotrophin secretions among them, thereby inducing heat signs and

ovulation. However the previous studies indicate various findings related to buck

effect. The significant outcomes relevant to present study are reviewed as follows:

The introduction of ram for the induction of estrus in ewes made for the first

time during the months of October and November and same results were obtained in

July and August. However, poor results were obtained in February and March

because of poor body condition of ewes (Ruiter, 1978). Significant effect of ram

introduction in the ewes was observed and six ewes out of seven showed estrus effect.

It was reported that timing of the ram effect did not differ significantly (Martin et al.,

1985).

It was found that the ram effect was a practical method of exposing ewes

during out of breeding season which triggered an increase in gonadotrophin secretion

thus by starting ovulation, a process called as the ram effect (Chanvallon et al.,

2010). The ram effect can be used to enhance reproductive efficiency. This technique

allows control of the timing of reproductive performance by the use of socio-sexual

signals which means the ram effect, to induce synchronized ovulation in female

animals (Martin and Kadokawa, 2006). It was found that by the introduction of

testosterone-treated rams, estrus can be induced in anovulatory ewes (Oldham et al.,

1985; Hulet et al., 1986). The effect of ram could be useful tool to consider due to its

negligible cost. The results of ram effect could be used for selecting individual

animals to develop an early-lambing flock (McQueen and Reid, 1988)


10

Pheromones of buck hair or wool of ram tended to increase LH pulse in non-

cyclic ewes in seasonally anestrus small ruminants. It was also found that

pheromones of different species may be active in the others. There was a example of

buck pheromones active in sheep (Over et al., 1990). However, ram effect was only

effective in temperate breeds four to six weeks before effective breeding season

(Ahmad, 1993).

While observing the behavioral component of the ram effect, it was found that

the sexual behavior of the ram may be important in initiating ovarian cyclicity

(Perkins and Fitzgerald, 1994). The introduction of ram in ewes with progesterone

hormone showed significant effect on estrus and increased the interval between the

ram introduction (Lassoued et al., 1997). Significant results were obtained by

enhancing reproductive system of non-cyclic ewes with effect of ram, were least

similar to those obtained by hormonal treatments (Boly et al., 2000; Crosby and

Murray, 1988; Martemucci et al., 1984). The results indicated that the absence of

response to teasing at this time of the year was not due to female unresponsiveness,

but was due to insufficient stimulation from the male (Flores et al., 2000).

The experiments were conducted to assess the effect of buck exposure to

induce estrus in mature and pre-pubertal crossbred Criollox dairy goats. The results of

this study indicated that the male effect was effective way in inducing estrus in goats

(Mellado et al., 2000). Awassi ewes did not show any response to the presence of

rams when these animals were rebred after lambing during spring season, with no

response in terms of increased reproductive performance (Hamadeh et al., 2001).

Male effect in seasonally anovulatory goats was found to be dependent on the


11

presence of sexually active bucks, but not on estrus females. Therefore, it was proved

that sexually active buck was helpful in inducing estrus cyclicity in anestrus does

(Veliz et al., 2002).

The induction of sexual activity in anovulatory female goats was studied using

male goats treated only with artificially long days. It was reported that buck treated

in this way were found capable of stimulating sexual activity in anovulatory does

(Delgadillo et al., 2002). Research was conducted by injecting a single dose of

estradiol-17β and estrus was induced in anestrus ewes, then ram was introduced in

them (Ungerfeld et al., 2004). While conducting studies on ram effect in Lohi sheep,

it was reported that adjacent four to six weeks before or after to normal breeding

season, ram effect is more effective to initiate the estrus activity in Lohi sheep (Javed

et al., 2004). Two experiments were carried out to study the effect of ram exposure

along with progestagen treatment, on the estrus synchronization. Surprisingly it was

reported that ewes showed lower fertility in the ram exposed group than control group

(Evans et al., 2004).

It was found that ewes treated with melatonin showed estrus symptoms earlier

than non-treated, when the ram was introduced in Rasa ewes. It was observed that

80% of treated ewes showed silent ovulation (Abecia et al., 2006). The importance of

the signals provided by the buck for the success of the male effect in goats was

studied. The animals showed estrus signs during specific seasons in temperate and

tropical latitudes. Hence during low breeding seasons, the sexual activity may be

achieved by the addition of males in them. This is called as male effect. It was

pointed out that in the middle of the low breeding season; the response of females to


12

male effect was weak (Delgadillo et al., 2006). It is possible to induce estrus in

postpartum suckling Corriedale ewes by the use of ram effect during low breeding

season (Silva and Ungerfeld, 2006).

While studying stimulation of estrus behavior in goats by continuous or

discontinuous exposure to males, the results indicated that while at grazing

conditions, the anestrus goats may show estrus behavior when opened to a buck

treated with artificial long days (Rivas-Muñoz et al., 2007). It was found that Sarda

ewes responded to the ram effect and 80% of ewes in one group were conceived at

first ovulation. It was concluded that priming of lactating Sarda ewes in spring with

progesterone (P4) + PMSG before ram effect, is an effective way to induce fertile

ovulations (Todini et al., 2007). However the age of ram is an important factor to be

kept in mind while studying the ram effect. It was investigated that yearling rams

which were used previously for breeding proved better than unused yearling rams

(Kenyon et al., 2007). Sexually naive, maiden ewes were exposed during mid

anestrus to experienced rams or isolated from rams and observed whether prior

experience with rams would alter the attitude and hormonal response of maiden ewes

to rams. It was pointed out that ewes showed more seeking behavior and spent

maximum time in and around ram but at the same time it was not a pre-requisite to

produce endocrine response to the ram effect (Hawken et al., 2008).

In a separate study, it was concluded that the mature rams produced a better

reproductive response in anestrus ewes than yearling rams, including a greater estrus

response in ewes, by increasing conception rates. This may be due to differences in

the odour signals produced by adult rams. The smaller proportion of pregnancies was


13

gained, by the use of yearling rams, may be due to the variation in mounting attitude

and ejaculation rate (Ungerfeld et al., 2008).

2.3 Accelerated kidding:

Accelerated kidding is a profitable technique which can be used in goats and

sheep to increase the number of kids and lambs per year than once a year resulting to

increase the mutton production. The findings of various researchers relevant to

present study are reviewed as under:

While studying accelerated system (3 parturitions over 2 years), it was found

that the annual production of kids at birth was 110 kg / hectare / year which was 21%

more and at weaning 630 kg / hectare / year which was 25% more (Ortega-Jimenez et

al., 2005). The crossbred ewes of different crosses of Finnish Landrace, Rambouillet

and Suffolk were compared over a 5-year period while lambing three times every 2

year. The ewes included in the study had the advantage of ½ Finn in total number of

kids borned and total weaning weight decreased to 30% (P<0.001) and 12% (P<0.05),

41% (P<0.001) over ¼ Finn and 17% (P<0.10) over the Suffolk x Rambouillet,

respectively (Notter and Coperhaver, 1980). While investigating the issue of seasonal

effect on fertility during accelerated lambing, it was found that reproductive

performance averaged over two cycles showed reduced fertility to May-June breeding

(47.8%), compared to January-February breeding (91.8%) and September-October

breeding (90.6%) in crossbred ewes (Dzakuma et al., 1982). The data of ewes having

the age of 6 to 7 months were analysed. These two flocks were bred alternately in

January, May or September. It was observed that ewe lambs mated to rams kept in a


14

constant day length (10 hour light: 14 hour dark /24 hour) environment had lower

fertility than those ewe lambs mated to rams maintained in an environment such that

the day length was altered between 4 months of 10 hour light:14 hour dark/24 hour

and 4 months of 18 hour light: 6 hour dark/24 hour. Although the fertility level was

low, the data suggested that the breeding of ewes 6 to 7 months of age was feasible

(Hackett and Wolynetz, 1984).

When two accelerated lambing systems were compared and it was found that

lambing years among Morlam ewes and season of birth of Carnal Dorset ewes

influenced (P<0.01) their first lambing ages, availing lambing intervals with average

293 and 303 days, respectively (Iniquez et al., 1986). A separate study was made to

compare two lambing systems i.e. within annual and accelerated lambing system.

Lambs borned in March and April were found heavier at weaning, consumed less

feed and gained less weight than lambs borned in May. Within the accelerated

lambing system, lambs borned in January to February period tended to be heavier

than lambs from the other lambing periods. The differences were observed among

months of lambing within lambing system (Jenkin, 1986).

The year-round lamb production of two breeds known for their extended

breeding season was compared. Bergschaf exhibited more extended breeding season,

with significantly shorter lambing intervals following winter and spring lambing. In

general, shorter lambing intervals did not have any effect on the number or birth

weight and were not badly influenced by the number of lambs in the preceding birth.

Merinolandschaf lambs were heavier at birth (+0.7kg). Only slight breed

dissimilarities were observed as compared to first-lambing age, lambing frequency


15

and lamb weight gains (Mendel et al., 1989). When five years data of 699 ewes were

analyzed in accelerated lambing system, it was found that productivity expressed as

lamb output was 18.7 and 31.4kg at weaning and 100 day, respectively. It was found

that management practices should be improved to enhance the productivity. The

lambs borned in the autumn season showed poor growth rate (Schoeman and Burger,

1992).

The Star program (kidding after every 8 months) was designed to have

accelerated kidding of five cocurrent breeding and lambing periods per year, starting

from January 1st, March 15

th, May 27

th, August 8

th and October 20

th. They observed

that the change in pattern of fertility followed a cyclic and predictable mode during

whole year. However, it was also observed that the trend of variation in prolificacy

was less steady but cyclic variation was visible. It was noted that matings which took

placed during breeding season (August, October and January) were found more

fruitful as compared to those occurring in March and June. Fertility depends upon

age of ewes and the last time since the ewes had lambed. It was also reported that

fertility in aged ewes increased after first parturition except in June. The results of

March and June matings indicated that adult ewes which had just weaned lambs were

found less fertile than those ewes which were conceived in previous season of

breeding had longer postpartum kidding intervals. It was also reported that those ewes

which had just weaned lambs in October and January were found more fertile (Lewis

et al., 1996).

The reproductive performance in an accelerated lambing system of 3 lambing

in 2 years was evaluated. The ewes in each group were kept under study for three


16

reproductive cycles. They observed that the fertility rate in the ewes treated with

photoperiod was 91.6%, which is quite similar with the fertility as observed in natural

breeding season. It was pointed out that ewes kept under the photoperiod schedule

gave 1.38 lambing / year and 69% of these ewes lambed three times in two years

(Cameron et al., 2010).

2.4 Productive Performance:

2.4.1 Services per Conception

It depends mainly upon heat detection, or breeding at suitable time. More

services mean poor reproductive management. The number of services per conception

has been reported by many workers in different breeds of goats throughout the

world.The means of number of service per conception in different goat breeds are

presented in table 2.2. The highest number of services per conception was found as

1.45 in Black Bengal goats as observed by Chowdhary et al. (2002).Whereas, the

lowest number of services per conception were found 1.00±0.00 in Black Bengal as

reported by Rume et al. (2011). Ali and Khan (2008) reported number of services per

conception in Beetal goats as 1.10±0.32. While, in 2148 Angora goats, Jagtap et al.

(1990) reported number of services per conception as 1.44. The number of services

per conception was reported as 1.3±0.05, 1.2±0.06, 1.06±0.08 and 1.24 in Sirohi

goats (Kumar et al., 2005), Black Bengal and Jamnapari x Black Bengal, (Faruque et

al., 2002), Creole goats (Alexandre et al., 2001) and Ganjam goats (Mohanty et al.,

1985), respectively.


17

Table 2.1. Means of number of service per conception in different goat breeds

Breed Country No Services per

conception

References

Angora - 2148 1.44 Jagtap et al. (1990)

Beetal Pakistan 4554 1.10±0.32 Ali and Khan (2008)

Black Bengal - 40 1.3±0.08 Amin et al. (2001)

Black Bengal Bangladesh - 1.24 Chowdhary et al. (2002)

Black Bengal Bangladesh 69 1.45 Chowdhary et al. (2002)

Black Bengal Bangladesh 25 1.2 Hossain et al. (2004)

Black Bengal Bangladesh - 1.19±0.04 Akhtar et al. (2006)

Black Bengal Bangladesh 72 1.22±0.25 Halim et al. (2011)

Black Bengal Bangladesh 35 1.00±0.00 Rume et al. (2011)

Black Bengal India 227 1.14±0.03 Dhara et al. (2008)

Black Bengal India 112 1.07±0.05 Dhara et al. (2008)

Black Bengal x

Jamunapari

- 49 1.2±0.07 Amin et al. (2001)

Black Bengal x

Jamunapari

Bangladesh 18 1.2±0.06 Faruque et al. (2002)

Creole Westindies 2135 1.06±0.08 Alexandre et al. (2001)

Crossbred goats India - 1.29±0.03 Kale and Tomer (1999)

Crossbred dairy

goas

India - 1.30 ± 0.03, Kataktalware et al. (2004)

Ganjam India 150 1.24 Mohanty et al. (1985)

Jamunapari Bangladesh 95 1.3 ± 0.6 Hassan et al. (2010)

Sirohi India 186 1.3±0.05 Kumar et al. (2005)


18

2.5 Reproductive Performance

Reproductive performance of does is of immense importance as contributing

factor towards increased meat production and in finding out more prolific animals.

This is the main factor affecting productivity of goats. Therefore, an improved

reproduction rate will be a approach to increase in numbers. The reproductive

efficiency means the net kid crop reared up to weaning. The lambing season and

effect of enivironment on ewe performance in accelerated (January, May and

September) or annual (April) lambing were analyzed. It was reported that fertility for

annual April was found to be on higher side as compared to accelerated May or

January and it was slightly low for September lambing. During the month of April,

the litter size noted was 1.9 as compared to January i.e.1.8, or May 1.7 and 1.4 for the

month of September along with lower mortality % in young kids. However, the mean

weaning weights were decreased in the larger April and May kids. The weights of

lambs weaned/ewe exposed were increased for annual April as compared to May and

January lambing and found to be lower for September lambing. When the ewes were

treated with hormone for September lambing, the fertility was increased from 16% to

44% along with litter size from 1.6 to 1.8 (Fogarty et al., 1984).

It was found that the polled Dorset ewes which were separated from rams in

late winter/early spring showed a decreased proportion of ewes ovulating from

September to November, showed a high proportion in December, without changing

the ovulation rate. They concluded that the variation in reproductive measures during

spring season indicates a scope for selection and improvements in spring joining

results due to ram effects in Dorset ewes may be possible (Hall et al., 1986).


19

The female goats were evaluated for reproductive performance in deep

anestrus given progestagen associated with PMSG and/or HMG. It was noted that

percentage of fertility rate in female anestrus goats administered with low dose of

PMSG is 6% while anestrus goats received high dose of HMG were found to be

having 40% fertility rate and prolificacy rate was between 1.33 and 1.72. (Cairoli et

al., 1987). The animals treated with prostaglandin (PG) were evaluated for

improvement in reproductive performance. It was observed that animals suffered

from pseudo pregnancy, 85% were pregnant. Whereas control group animals were

97% conceived. Results indicated that reproductive performance improved through

administration of 2 doses of PG. (Hesselink, 1993)

When the breeding performance of Damascus goats was evaluated, it was

concluded that supplemental feeding was required to increase production of goats in

arid or semi-arid environment. It was found that kidding percentage and birth weight

of kids didn’t differ significantly among groups. Moreover, the number of kids

weaned/doe kidding and weight of kids weaned/doe kidding were significantly higher

for group of animals fed barseem clover hay. However mean body weight of kids at

birth and at weaning were found significantly less for control group (Shetaewi et al.,

2001). When the reproductive performance was checked in estrus-induced nulliparous

Saanen and Alpine dairy goats, it was found that rate of parturition, litter size and

gestation period were similar in goats treated with different treatments, also breeding

did not considerably improve reproductive performance (Fonseca et al., 2005).

Weekly growth curve was determined and it was found that lambs borned in dry

season were the heaviest. However, the single as well as male lambs were also


20

heavier. Moreover, it was noted that the ewes in 3rd and 4th parity produced heavier

lambs, growing with averagely higher daily gains (Gbangboche et al., 2006). It was

found that litter size was increased with age and parity. However lamb birth weight

was affected by the season (Ali et al., 2009). The research was carried out for a period

of one year to investigate the productive and reproductive performance of Malpura

ewes. Allometric parameters were taken in this research period. It was found that

BCS has strong positive impact on allometric measurements and reproductive

parameters (Sejian et al., 2009).

2.5.1 Conception percentage

Through the use of FSH as an alternative to PMSG, reported that conception

rates were found to be 45 and 32%, respectively in two groups of sheep (Lofstedt and

Eness, 1982). Silva and Ungerfeld, (2006) conducted two experiments during out of

breeding season and reported that overall conception rate was found to be higher

(63.3%) in ewes. In a separate study, it was concluded that rams produced a better

reproductive response in anestrus ewes, by increasing conception rates. (Ungerfeld et

al., 2008). Chao et al. (2008) reported that 60% Nubian goats were conceived.

2.5.2 Litter Size

The litter size ranged from 1.6±0.1-1.8±0.1 for low, medium and high ranked

goats (Ungerfeld et al., 2007). The litter size varied from 1.4 to 2.7 in 550 individual

animals of six breed i.e. Boer (209), Haimen (128), Boer crossed with Huanghuai

(82), Huanghuai (71), Nubi (37) and Matou (23) (Hua et al., 2008).While studying the

performance of female goats, it was reported that the litter size per pregnant goat


21

averaged between 1.33 (Cairoli et al., 1987).The litter size (kids/doe kidding) was

averaged 0.95, 1.39-1.49 and 1.76 in goats of subtropical monsoonal climate of

Southwest China (Zhao et al., 2010), in medium sized Mexican goats (Mellado et al.,

2008) and Alpine and Saanen goats (Goonewardene et al., 1997), respectively. It was

found that litter size was 1.3±0.5 and 1.8±0.5 in Dwarf goats of Pakistan (Khanum et

al., 2008) and in Beetal X Dwarf cross bred goats (Kausar et al., 2009), respectively.

The litter size was 1.8±0.8 and 2.14±0.9 of Dwarf goats (Khanum, 2007) and Matou

goats (Moaeen-ud-Din et al., 2008), respectively. The litter size was noted 1.5, 1.75

and 1.87 in goat (Borde et al., 2006), small East African goat and its crosses with the

Anglo-Nubian and the Alpine (Wilson and Murayi, 1988) and Spanish goats (Lawson

et al., 1984), respectively. The litter size in Boer x Spanish cross bred goats having 3

years of age and kidded once was found to be 1, 2 and 3 (Tover-Luna et al., 2007).

2.5.3 Kidding percentage

The kidding was observed 53.6, 77 and 92.1- 94.9% in goats in subtropical

monsoonal climate of Southwest China (Zhao et al., 2010), in goats (Titi et al., 2008)

and (Batista et al., 2009), respectively. The kidding rate among goats was 53.85 and

55.26 in synchronized estrus and in naturally occurring estrus (Khalifa and El-Saidy,

2006) and 68-87% in two flocks of Saanen and three flocks of Alpine goats (Pellicer-

Rubi et al., 2007), respectively. The performance of female goats was studied and it

was reported that the fertility rate in four groups of goats i.e. A, B, C and D was

found to the tune of 6, 34, 40 and 36%, respectively (Cairoli et al., 1987). The kidding

percentage of Saanen and Alpine goats was observed 16 and 64 respectively. The

kidding percentage in different groups of Boer goats was reported 60.8% and 70.9%.


22

Whereas in various groups of Angora goats; it was 62.3, 61.8 and 60.0% (Lawrenz,

1986).

2.6 Economics of Production

The economics of feeding to small ruminants as reported in literature is

variable. In a study carried with male and female goats, showed the cost of production

per kilogram (Kg) oflive weight as rupees 29.80 ± 1.83 (Anandana, 1996). However,

Gregoirea et al. (1996) calculated the cost of production for does supplemented with

herring and soybean meal as rupees 156 and 158 per kg of live weight, which was

found uneconomical. In another trial, Jabbar and Anjum, (2008) calculated the cost of

production per kg gain as rupees 74, 61 and 55 in selective groups of Lohi lambs (A,

B and C). Synder and Milligan (1987) reported that Star system showed a positive

return for the overall farm operation only for the high level of ewe productivity. Total

cost per pound of lamb observed was slightly below the assumed lamb price. They

also found that Star system for accelerated lambing has economic advantage over

annual system. Dzabirski et al. (2010) evaluated the profitability and cost

effectiveness of the traditional and accelerated lambing systems and reported that

traditional sheep production system was on the margin of profitability as regards

income/ cost ratio equal to 1.14 at direct variable cost level which was equal to 0.99

at total cost level.

2.7 Birth Weight:

Konyal et al (2007) reported that there was positive correlations between litter

weight (LW), cotyledon number (CN), placental weight (PW) (r=0.64 and 0.76,

P<0.01), but it was noted negative correlation between (LW) and cotyledon density


23

(CD) (r-0.42, P<0.01). In a study, Meza Herrea et al., (1987) evaluated the

modulation validation for birth weight trait in breeding season of goat. This study

proposes the theory that birth weight is considerably an indicator to detect possible

restriction of intra uterine development. They validate the effect of different

performance parameter i.e., breeding season across the years, spring, summer, fall

and winter upon the expression of body weight. The proposed model described the

considerable analysis of independent variables breeding season, kidding years, breed

group, litter size and kidding season. Birth weight expression was affected (P<0.05)

by kidding year and litter size.While it was not affected by kidding season (P>0.05).

However, breeding season has a significant (P<0.05) effect on the trait. The highest

and lowest birth weights were observed in spring (3.34kg) and winter born kids

(3.10kg). The birth weight as an important productivity measure in any management

system is associated with neonatal mortality as well as decrease in size of litters and

high birth weight may cause dystocia, ultimately leads to maternal death (Alexander,

1974).The variation in birth weight had immense importance regarding kid health and

long term survival (Godfrey and Barker, 2001). Giussani et al. (2003) reported that

intrauterine environment put more pronounced effect for increase in birth weight.

However, the maternal weight influences the fetal growth, resulting into increased

birth weight. Mellor and Matheson (1979) hypothesized that nutritional intake

significantly affect the birth weight which ultimately shows an improved fetal growth

in ewes.

2.7 Mortality

It was reported that the mortality rate was 4, 15.3, 19.4 and 28% in goats


24

(Mellado et al., 2008), in Norwegian goats (Engeland et al., 1999), in kids (Borde et

al., 2006) and kids (Abubakar et al., 2008), respectively. Two accelerated lambing

systems were compared, in which early lambing was found to be associated with

higher rates of perinatal mortality (P>.05) (Iniquez et al., 1986). It was found that the

preweaning lamb mortality was 37% in Javanese thin tail ewes (Chaniago et al.,

1988), respectively.

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48

Chapter 3

Experiment 1:

Initiation of estrus in an-estrus Beetal goats during low breeding

season

3.1 Introduction

Most of Beetal goats do not follow seasonal breeding pattern and breed round

the year although have a peak breeding season during autumn and spring. According

to the findings of Ali and Khan (2008) the Beetal goats are not true seasonal breeders

in tropical and sub-tropical environment however, they have two peaks of breeding in

a year (autumn and spring). These goats continue to breed at a low pace throughout

the year. Khuthu et al (2013) analysed data of Teddy goats collected from three

government farms (Rakh Ghulaman, Rakh Khaire wala and Chak Katora, Punjab,

Pakistan) and reported that Teddy does breed throughout the year and are not a true

seasonal breeder. Induction of estrus is a suitable way to have maximum number of

kids alongwith proper nutrition by which health and fertility of breeding animals also

improves. The estrus cycle in placental animals refers to the recurring changes

associated with heat induction due to hormones which are responsible to start estrus.

Induction of estrus in does can be done by various methods. However

efficiency of these methods depends upon the relationship of a doe with breeding

season and timing of the year. The buck introduction among group of does is an

important method of heat induction. Similarly, photoperiod has its own implication

for inducing estrus. The use of hormones like GPG protocol (GnRH-Progesterone-

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49

GnRH) is one of the most popular and effective measure for inducing estrus. Various

advantages of using this technique includes reduction of days of labor, shortening of

the kidding period, induction of cyclicity in anestrus females, appropriate number of

males used, high pregnancy rates at the beginning of the breeding season and the

production of homogeneous lots of kids ultimately improves the market value of kid.

The afore mentioned advantages led to an increase in reproductive efficiency of

caprine and ovine farms (Henderson et al., 1984). Scientists have described several

ways to control the estrus cycle in ewes including light manipulation, buck effect,

hormone treatment with progesterone, prostaglandin (PGF), gonadotropin releasing

hormone and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), (Wildeus, 2000; Iida et al.,

2004). Another effective way to induce heat in small ruminants is the use of slow-

releasing progesterone/progestagen devices. Intravaginal sponges impregnated with

progestagens, such as fluorogestone acetate (FGA) and medroxyprogesterone acetate

(MAP), are examples of progesterone/ progestagen devices (Godfrey et al., 1999,

Ungerfled and Rubianes, 2002, Kohno et al., 2005). A dose of prostaglandin (PGF2α)

2.5mg per animal per day helps in induction of estrus, if corpus luteum is functional.

However it has been noted least effective during anestrus phase. The action of

prostaglandin (PGF2α) aggravate the short cycles that is observed during initial

period of breeding season. Follical stimulating hormone (FSH) or pregnant mare

serum gonadotrpin (PMSG) in combination with progestagen treatment help in

induction of estrus activity among out-of-season does. Various forms of progestagen

treatment are CIDR (a kind of impregnated plastic placed in vagina) oil base

injections or vaginal sponge. A commercial product marketed for use in small

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ruminants containing both PMSG and human chorionic gonadotropin will cause does

to cycle outside the normal breeding season. The use of follical stimulating hormone

(FSH) or equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) along with progesterone releasing

devices facilitates in estrus induction/synchronization programs and significant

effects on estrus response has been reported because the growth of ovarian follical is

stimulated by gonadotropin hormone (Cline et al., 2001; Maurel et al., 2003).

Hormonal treatments during autumn season provide a good level of synchrony of

estrus, resulting on average pregnancy rates of 60% in the first estrus after device

withdrawal. Thus, 90% of cyclic ewes can become pregnant in two natural services

that can be performed over a period of 21 days (Moraes et al., 2002). Reproductive

efficiencies of the progestagen treatment at various times during spring season are

still variable (Knights et al., 2001, Santos et al., 2011, Ozyurtlu et al., 2008).

Experimental Hypothesis: With the help of flushing ration and induction of

hormones (GPG), initiation of eatrous can be achieved in anestrous Beetal goats.

3.2 Materials and Methods

In order to initiate normal estrus activity in anestrus Beetal goats during low

breeding season, 20 Beetal goats were selected out of the flock kept at Small

Ruminant Training and Research Centre Ravi Campus Pattoki, Univesity of

Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore Pakistan.

These goats were divided randomly into 4 groups i.e. A, B, C and D having 5

animals each. Beetal goats of Group A were treated as negative control by offering

only green fodder. The animals of group B were provided with flushing ration along

with green fodder. This group was considered as control group. The goats in group C

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51

were kept on green fodder along with hormone therapy Gonadotropin releasing

hormone (GnRH), in combination with prostaglandin. The goats in group D were

provided with green fodder, flushing ration (600 gm/animal) and hormone therapy by

providing GnRH, PGF2α and GnRH. The animals of all groups were offered with

routine fodder @ 10 % of their body weight along with free access to water but were

tethered at the time of feeding. Each animal of group C & D received, on day zero, an

injection of GnRH (50µg; dalmarelin; Fatro; Italy, @ 0.5ml, intramascularly)

followed by an injection of PGF2α after 7 days, (0.75mg; dalmazin,Fatro;Italy, @ 0.5

ml intramascularly).

Second injection of GnRH on day 9 was given to the animals of groups C &

D. Estrus symptoms were observed up to 72 hours. The buck was allowed to detect

heat of each goat daily for 5-10 minutes in the morning and evening. Gonadotropin

releasing hormone, Prostaglandin F2 alpha and Gonadotropin releasing hormone

(GPG) protocol (First of all injection of GnRH then PGF2α then GnRH) was

followed. In order to have eye on health status of does, blood was collected weekly

up to one month in heparinized vacutainers and serum was separated by

centrifugation at 10,000 rpm for ten minutes at 4°C. Parameters studied for blood

biochemistry were as follows: albumin, globulin, total protein, urea and blood glucose

by using enzymatic kits. To assess the effect of treatments, the analysis of variance

was done under completely randomized design (Steel et al., 1997) using GLM

procedure of SAS. Statistical package SAS 1995 (SAS institute, cary, NC).

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3.3 Results

3.3.1 Estrus Induction

It was observed that estrus was low (60%) in A group (control) as compared

to the 100 percent estrus in rest of all groups i.e. B, C and D.,

3.3.2 Conception

The results are presented in table 3.1. In group A (Control group) 40% of the

goats showed conception rate of 40, 80, 60 and 60% was observed in animals of

groups A, B, C and D, respectively.

3.3.3 Kidding rate

In group A (Control group) the kidding rate in goats observed was 40 %.

Which was also observed as 60 %. Kidding rate was observed 40 % in animals of

groups A, C and D, with 60% only in group B.

3.3.4 Gestation length

In group A gestation length observed was 151.33±0.57 days. Where as

minimum gestation length was recorded in animals of group B (147.50±1.73) as

compared to 148.50±3.53, 149.25±0.50 and 151.33±0.57 days in animals of groups

C, D and A, respectively.

3.3.5 Birth Weight

The highest birth weight (3.16±0.76) was found in group A as compared

to3.12±0.94, 3.06±1.00 and 2.75±1.06 kg in group B, D and C, respectively.

3.3.6 Blood Biochemistry

Blood serum analysis of Beetal goats was carried out to setup the base line /

standard of different blood components as these have direct relation with health status

of animals. Similarly, severe malnutrition (due to stress conditions and celiac

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disease) can be related to less absorption or digestion of total proteins. High total

proteins in blood are associated with chronic inflammation and viral hepatitis. Blood

serum constituents in different groups of Beetal goats are presented in annexture -1

3.4.2 Conception Rate

In A group conception rate was found as 40%. Whereas, conception rates

were 80, 60 and 60% in B, C and D groups, respectively. The conception rates

observed by Silva and Ungerfeld, (2006) were also in close proximity with the

findings of present study. They conducted two experiments during out of breeding

season. In one experiment, the induction of fertile estrus in postpartum Corriedale

ewes was determined by the ram effect. The overall conception rate was found to be

higher (63.3%) in ewes weaned at least 6 months before the study was started as

compared to 60-90 days postpartum ewes i.e. 45.3%. They concluded that it is

possible to induce oestrus in postpartum suckling Corriedale ewes by the use of ram

effect during low breeding season. The 80% conception rate in goats of B group

coincides with the findings of Todini et al. (2007) who exposed anovulatory Sarda

ewes to have ram effect by injecting a single injection of 30mg progestrone plus 500

IU PMSG 36 hours before ram introduction and compared this treatment against a 12-

day treatment with fluorogestone acetate intravaginal sponges which were followed

by injection of 350 IU PMSG upon sponge removal. It was concluded that priming of

lactating Sarda ewes in spring with P4 +PMSG to induce fertile ovulations in Sarda

ewes may be achieved. Hesselink, (1993) findings were found to be more progressive

as the animals treated with prostaglandin (PG) were evaluated for any improvement

in reproductive performance. These results did not coincide with the findings of

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Deligiannis et al. (2005) who reported that conception rate was 47.54% when mature

dry ewes of Karagouniko breed having unknown stage of estrus cycle were injected

with GnRH. The results of B group did not coincide with the findigns of Lofstedt and

Eness (1982) who reported that conception rates was 32% were similar in ewes while

using FSH and GnRH as alternative compounds to PMSG in two groups of sheep

3.4.3 Kidding Rate

Kidding rates were found 40% in A, C and D group except for group B where

its percentage was higher i.e. 60% than other groups. The results of present research

are in close agreement to Husein et al., (2005) who applied hormonal therapy of

GnRH and PGF2alpha. They evaluated the effect of 5-day progesterone priming prior

to a GnRH- PGF2 alpha treatment on the reproductive performance of anestrus thirty

six mountain black goats and these goats were exposed to four bucks. They found that

pregnancy and kidding percentage were greater in anestrus goats treated with GnRH-

PGF2alpha.

The results of present study are in line with the results of Cairoli et al. (1987)

who reported kidding percentage in C group as 40%. The findings of group B are

nearly in line with the research work of Zhao et al. (2010) who observed kidding

53.6%. Goonewardene et al. (1997) found huge variation between two different

breeds. The kidding of Saanen and Alpine goats observed was 16 and 64%,

respectively. The findings of B group also match with the results of Lawrenz (1986),

who reported kidding percentage in different groups of Boer goats 60.8 and 70.9%,

whereas in various groups of Angora goats; it was 62.3, 61.8 and 60.0%. The findings

of present work for all the groups do not coincide with the results of Khalifa and El-

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Saidy (2006), Titi et al. (2008) and Batista et al. (2009) observed 53.85-55.2 in

synchronized and 68-87 natural estrus, 77 and 92.1- 94.9% kidding rate, respectively.

The results of current study for group B donot coincide with of findings of Shetaewi

et al. (2001) who found that kidding percentage didn’t differ significantly among

groups.

3.4.4 Gestation Length

Mean gestation length was found to be 151.33±0.57, 147.50±1.73,

148.50±3.53, 149.25±0.50 days in A, B, C and D groups, respectively. These results

were non-significant among all the groups. The results of current work resemble with

the findings of Fonseca et al. (2005) who reported the gestation period similar in

Saanen and Alpine dairy goats. The results for gestation length are not in agreement

with the findings of Khanum et al. (2008), Malecki et al. (1987), Bessette and Rurak,

(2010), Khanum et al. (2007), Moaeen-ud-Din et al. (2008) and Llewelyn et al.

(1992) who reported 144.8±3.9, 142-147, 141 -151, 145.2±4 -145.8±5,150±7.4 and

146.7±3.0 days, respectively.

3.4.5 Birth Weight

Birth weight in different livestock species is considered as important

economic trait for selection.The values of birth weight in different goat breeds of the

world varies significantly. Mean birth weights for groups A, B, C and D are presented

in table 3.1. Average birth weight in group A was observed higher than other groups

may be due to provision of high quality fodder during the last trimester of dams

pregnancy. Better birth weights were noticed in group B and D as compared to group

C that might be due to availability of complete dietary nutrients in the form of

EXPERIMENT 1

56

concentrate and fodder. Group C goats possibly could not have adjusted to the action

of GPG protocol resulting into comparative less body weight. Furthermore, the

animals might have taken injections as a stress factor. Findings of Afzal et al. (2004)

were slightly higher than results of study as they reported birth weight of male and

female kids was 3.48 ± 0.06 and 3.29 ± 0.06 kg, respectively. In so many other breeds

of goats, as the size of goat varies, birth weight of offspring also varies.

Amoah et al. (1996) reported that birth weight varied among breeds like

Pygmy (1.7 kg) and Toggenburgs (3.9kg). They concluded that birth weight

decreased as the size of litter increased approximately at the rate of 0.45 kg / kid.

The findings of Montaldo and Juarez (1982); Setiadi (1988); Sinha and Sahni (1983)

are in line with the results of present study. They reported birth weight in different

breeds of goats ranging between 2.7-3.0 kg. The findings of Hossain et al. (2004),

Sinha and Sahni (1983), Singh et al. (2005), Koul et al. (1996), Marzouk et al. (2000),

Bhusan and Singh (2005), Zhou et al. (2003) and Gunes et al. (2002) are also in line

with the results of present study who reported birth weight in different breeds of goats

ranging from 1.2- 2.7 kg.

Conclusion:

It was observed that conception rate of beetal goats to fodder and flushing

ration was comparatively higher than other groups although, estrous induction was

100% for all groups except control. Provision of concentrate ration to animals is also

easily adaptable by farmers as compared to GPG protocol in rural areas. Also,

treatment applied to group B was found economically more suitable than synthetic

hormones for estrous induction.

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Bartlewski PM, Aravindakshan J, Beard AP, Nelson ML, Batista-Arteaga M,

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Bhusan R, Singh MK. 2005. Production performance of Jakhrana goats in its

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Brown BW, Cognie Y, Chemineau P, Poulin N, Salama OA. 1988. Ovarian capillary

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Cairoli F, Tamanini C, Bono G, Chiesa F, Prandi A. 1987. Reproductive performance

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Cline MA, Ralston JN, Seals RC, Lewis GS. 2001. Intervals from norgestomet

withdrawal and injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin or P.G. 600 to

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Amiridis GS. 2005. Synchronization of ovulation and fixed time

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comparison of prostaglandin F2α than salt with a progestagen pessary. Anim

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performance of Black Bengal goat under semi-intensive management. J Biol

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Husein MQ, Ababneh MM, Haddad SG. 2005. The effects of progesterone priming

on reproductive performance of GnRH-PGF2alpha-treated anestrus goats.

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Iida K, Kobayashi N, Kohno H, Miyamoto A, Fukui Y. 2004. A comparative study

of induction of estrus and ovulation by tree different intravaginal devices in

ewes during the nonbreeding season. J Reprod Dev. 50(1):63-69.

Khalifa TA, El-Saidy BE. 2006. Pellet-freezing of Damascus goat semen in a

chemically defined extender. Anim Reprod Sci. 93 (3-4): 303-315.

Khanum SA, Hussain M, Kausar R. 2007. Assessment of reproductive

parameters in female Dwarf goat (Capra hircus) on the basis of

progesterone profiles. Anim Reprod Sci. 102 (3-4): 267-275.

Khanum SA, Hussain M, Kausar R. 2008. Progesterone and estradiol profiles

during estrus cycle and gestation in dwarf goats (Capra hircus). Pak Vet

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Khuthu ZH, Javed J, Babar ME, Sattar A, Abdullah M. 2013. Environmental effects

on growth traits of Teddy goats. J Anim & Plant Sci. 23(3):692-698.

Knight CH, Wilde CJ, McLeod BJ, Haresign W. 1988. Exogenous GnRH induces

ovulation in seasonally anoestrus lactating goats (Capra hircus).J Reprod Fert.

83: 679-686.

Knights M, Hoehn T, Lewis PE, Inskeep EK. 2001. Effectiveness of intravaginal

progesterone inserts and FSH for inducing synchronized estrus and increasing

lambing rate in anestrus ewes. J Anim Sci. 79(5):1120-1131.

Kohno H, Okamoto C, Iida K, Takeda T, Kaneko E, Kawashima C, Miyamoto A,

Fukui Y. 2005. Comparison of estrus induction and subsequent fertility with

two different intravaginal devices in ewes during the nonbreeding season. J

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35(1):1-5 (CAB Abst. 970105090).

Krisher RL, Gwazdauskas FC, Page RL, Russell CG, Canseco RS, Sparks AE,

Velander WH, Johnson JL, Pearson RE.1994. Ovulation rate, zygote recovery

and follicular populations in FSH- super ovulated goats treated with PGF

(2alpha) and/or GnRH. Theriogenology. 41(2): 491-498.



Llewelyn CA, Ogaa, JS, Obwolo MJ. 1992. Plasma progesterone concentrations during

pregnancy and pseudopregnancy and onset of ovarian activity post partum in

indigenous goats in Zimbabwe. Trop Anim Health Prod. 24(4): 242-250.


to PMSG for spring time breeding of ewes.Theriogenology. 18 (2): 119-125.

Malecki J, Jenkin G, Thorburn GD.1987. Passive immunization of pregnant goats

against ovine LH. J Endocrinol. 114(3): 431-436.

Marzouk KM, El Feel FMR, Hassan HA, Sallam, MT. 2000. Evaluation of

French Alpine goats under Egyptian conditions, 7th

International

Conference on Goats, France, 15-21 May 2000, Pp: 236-238.

Maurel MC, Roy F, Herve V, Bertin J, Vaiman D, Cribiu E, Manfredi E, Bouvier

F, Lantier I, Boue P, Guillou F. 2003. Immune response to equine

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McLeod BJ, Haresign W.1984. Response of seasonally anoestrus ewes to six-hour

periods of GnRH infusion administered on six consecutive days.

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Romney ewes with continuous infusion of low doses of GnRH: effects on

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goats.Theriogenology. 60(3): 397-406.

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intramuscular injections of GnRH or PMSG in lactating goats (Capra hircus) primed

with a progestagen during seasonal anestrus.Theriogenology. 42 (1): 107-116.

Santos GMG, Silva-Santos KC, Melo-Sterza FA, Mizubuti IY, Moreira FB,

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SAS. 1995. Statistical Analysis Software. Procedure and facilities for release. SAS

institute, cary, NC.

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Etawah grade goats. In: Proc. 4th Wld. Conf. on Anim. Prod. 571. Helsinki,

Finland; Finnish Anim Breed Associations. (Anim. Breed. Abst. 56:7615, 1988).

Shetaewi MM, Abdel-Samee AM, Bakr EA. 2001. Reproductive performance and

milk production of Damascus goats fed acacia shrubs or berseem clover hay in

North Sinai, Egypt.Trop Anim Health Prod. 33(1): 67-79.

Silva L, Ungerfeld R. 2006. Reproductive response in suckling Corriedale ewes to the

ram effect during the non-breeding season: effect of postpartum condition and the

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65

Table 3.1. Reproductive parameters in different groups of Beetal goats

Treatment

groups

N Estrus induction Conception

rate

Kidding rate

Average birth Wt Gestation Length

(%) (kg) (days)

A-(Fodder-

Control)

5 60 40 40 3.16±0.76a 151.33±0.57

a

B-(Fodder+

Conc.)

5 100 80 60 3.12±0.94a 147.50±1.73

a

C- (Fodder +

GPG)

5 100 60 40 2.75±1.06b 148.50±3.53

a

D-(Fodder

+Conc.+ GPG)

5 100 60 40 3.06±1.00 c

149.25±0.50a

The value having different superscript in a column are significant (P<0.05)

66

Chapter 4

EXPERIMENT 2

Initiation of estrus through buck effect in Beetal goats

4.1 Introduction

Control of estrous cycle by artificial means provides some merits to goat

farmers, which is necessary to reduce long kidding intervals (Corteel et al., 1982).

Buck effect refers to the sudden exposure of buck in group of does after a period of

isolation i.e. 3 weeks and one mile away to the opposite direction of air flow.

Objective of buck effect is heat induction as well as estrus synchronization with

special concern to out of breeding season with the condition that no extra treatment/

factor will be given to does in the form of photoperiod or hormonal protocol. The

buck effect can be used to improve reproductive performance. This method allows

control of the timing of reproductive events by the use of socio-sexual signals which

means the buck effect.This helps to induce synchronized ovulation in female animals

(Martin and Kadokawa, 2006). It may also be described as isolation of female

animals for a few weeks from male, followed by sudden introduction of rams which

leads to ovulation within two days as well as restoration of normal cyclic activity as

reported by Javed et al. (2004). The buck effect is quite helpful technique for

breeding of small ruminants for accelerated kidding in goats. In this approach bucks

are exposed to females causing increased gonadotropin secretions among them,

thereby inducing heat signs. Various studies on buck effect have reported improved

results. The physiological basis in such type of heat induction is sight and smell.

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67

However, both of these factors are not only responsible for stimulus. Buck effect is

least effective when sexually immature bucks are used. Beside heat induction in in

does during out of season, another advantage of buck effect is estrus synchronization

which is more economical than administration of exogenous hormones like

progestagen treatment, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), gonadotrpin (GnRH),

prostaglandin (PG) or intra vaginal sponges etc. Buck effect is recommended in

extensive production, when animals are in oestrus cycle. Buck effect is effective in

temperate breeds especially four to six weeks before expected breeding season.

Various scientists have found significant result by introducing rams in the

seasonally anovulatory ewes maintained under natural photoperiod to induce

ovulation. Some reports are contradictory and results showed non-significant effect,

when sexually experienced ewes were cheked as regards to response of ram effect

(Chanvallon et al., 2010). The practical application of buck effect lies primarily in initiating

breeding season early or in combination with some drug induced for out of season breeding

manipulation. Pheromones of buck hairs or rams wool tended to increase LH pulse in

non-cyclic ewes to induce ovulations in seasonally anoestrus sheep and goats,

respectively. It was also found that pheromones of different species may be useful in

the sheep and goats.

Exeprimental Hypothesis: Buck effect may not be considered as very good

alternative to breeding season but still it can be useful to initiate the estrous during

pre-breeding and post-breeding season.


Inorder to investigate buck effect for the initiation of oestrus /ovulation in

Beetal goats was conducted in two phases.These does were maintained at Small

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Ruminant Training and Research Centre, Ravi Campus Pattoki,University of

Veterinary & animal Sciences Lahore, Pakistan. The goats were divided randomnly

into four groups viz; A, B, C and D having 25 animals each. During first phase a

group of an-estrus Beetal goats was stimulated for the initiation of oestrus through

buck effect during the month of August (low breeding season). Group A Beetal goats

were isolated from bucks and were exposed to buck during the month of August

(before the normal breeding season). The buck remained within goats for two hours in

the morning and evening for three days. The goats of group B were considered as

control, as these animals were bred in their normal breeding season. Same activity

was repeated for group B goats during the month of September (normal breeding

season). During second phase again Beetal goats in group C goats were isolated from

bucks for a period of 3 weeks and the buck was introduced in them during the month

of December (after breeding season). Similar treatment was given to Beetal does of

the group D goats. The group D considered as control, as these animals were bred in

their normal breeding season. Same activity was repeated for group D does during the

month of September (normal breeding season). Beetal goats having an-estrus stage

were exposed to buck for a period of 4 to 6 weeks before or after the normal breeding

season. The experimental animals were closely observed for estrus activity. The green

fodder was made available 10 % of body weight to all the animals and was given free

access to water daily for twenty four hours. Necessary vaccinations were done to all

animals. The data thus generated were presented in percentages.

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4.3 Results

4.3.1 Estrus percentage

This experiment was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 comprised of two

groups A and B for which estrus induction was done during pre-breeding (August)

and normal breeding (September/October) season. Similarly, Phase 2 also comprised

of two groups C and D for which estrus was induced during post-breeding

(December) and normal breeding (September/October) season. Different reproductive

parameters like estrus and conception, were noted. Group A showed 80% both for

estrus induction and conception. Different reproductive parameters in Beetal goats

during different breeding seasons are presented in table 4.1. Group B showed 100 %

estrus induction. These values for estrus induction for group C were observed to be

24%. Whereas, the values for different reproductive parameters in case of group D for

estrus induction were 64%. It was observed that 100 % estrus signs were received in

group B as compared to the lowest value (24%) in group C.

The most probably reason for zero results in goats bred during December,

2010 was poor body condition due to lean period of fodder availability, along with

cold stress in severe winter season and foggy climate. The results of present

experiment showed that overall performance of group A was better than other groups.

It is suggested that if under controlled environmental conditions, suitable body

condition score of does was achieved, better results may be received.

3.4.2 Conception percentage

However conception rate was high in group A (80%) instead of group B (40%). The

lowest value of CR was found in group C. These values for conception rate for group

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C were observed to be 0%.Where as the values for different reproductive parameters

of group D for conception rate was 24%.

4.4 Discussion

4.4.1 Estrus percentage

Estrus induction values, using buck effect, were found as 80, 100, 24 and 64

% in group A, B, C and D, respectively. The findings of present work are in line with

the results of Martin et al. (1985) who conducted trials on the introduction of rams in

seven ewes which were seasonally anovulatory. For this purpose, they mixed the rams

with ewes in the morning and evening. They found significant effect of ram

introduction in the ewes and six ewes, out of seven showed estrus effect (85 %)

within 30 -36 hours regardless of the timing of ram effect which did not differ

significantly.

Similarly, Perkins and Fitzgerald (1994) reported the behavioral component of

the ram effect on the induction of estrus in anovulatory ewes. They proposed that in

addition to a pheromone, the sexual behavior of the ram may be important in

initiating ovarian cycle activity. The findings of present study also resemble with the

results of Over et al. (1990) who reported that pheromones of buck hairs or rams wool

tend to increase LH pulse in non-cyclic ewes to induce ovulations in seasonally

anoestrus goats and sheep.

The findings of group C match with those of Hulet et al. (1986) who stated

that ram effect is only effective in temperate breeds four to six weeks before effective

breeding season. They observed that continuous or intermittent presence of a ram had

no effect on either frequency / rate of ovulation during the intermediary months. The

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differentiation of results could be due to difference in breed and management

practices.

Results of present study, regarding ram effect are in more resemblance with

the findings of Mellado et al. (2000) who indicated that during the transitional period,

the male effect was effective way in inducing estrus in goats. The findings of present

study also match with work of Silva and Ungerfeld, (2006), Javed et al. (2004),

Lassoued et al. (1997) and Veliz et al. (2002) as they have reported that fruitful

effects may be achieved by the introduction of ram in female groups of does and

ewes. The findings of present study are not in line with the findings of different

scientists like Boly et al. (2000), Crosby and Murray (1988) and Martemucci et al.

(1984) who reported that non-cyclic ewes with effect of ram are less similar to those

obtained by hormonal treatments. The findings of group C are in agreement with the

results of Hamadeh et al. (2001) who stated that Awassi ewes showed no response in

terms of increased reproductive performance.

The results of present study for all groups during whole breeding plan

coincide with the findings of Delgadillo et al. (2006) who reported the importance of

the signals provided by the buck for the success of the male effect in goats. They

observed that small ruminants show estrus signs during specific seasons in temperate

and tropical latitudes and during low breeding seasons, the sexual activity may be

achieved by the addition of active males in them. However, the results of present

study for all the groups of goats also match with the findings of Ungerfeld et al.

(2008) who stressed on the use of ram. The rams produced a better reproductive

response in anestrus ewes including a greater estrus response. This may be due to

differences in the odor signals produced by adult rams.

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4.4.2 Conception Percentage

Group A and B showed conception rate 80 and 40%, respectively. The

findings of this work resembles with the observations of Ungerfeld et al. (2008) who

stated that by using Buck effect, better reproductive response including a greater

ovulation percentage and estrus response in ewes, by increasing ovulation rate, higher

conception rates can be achieved. Similiarly, high conception rates were observed by

Silva and Ungerfeld, (2006) are also in close proximity with the findings of present

work for A and B groups. However, these results are contrary to the observation

obtained in C and D group because 0% conception rate was found in C group and D

group contributed only to 24% CR. Two experiments were conducted by these

scientists during out of breeding season. In one of the experiments, the induction of

fertile estrus in postpartum Corriedale ewes was determined by the effectiveness of

the ram effect.The overall conception rate was found to be higher (63.3%) in ewes

weaned at least 6 months before the study was started as compared to 60-90 days

postpartum in ewes which were 45.3%. They concluded that it is possible to induce

estrus in postpartum suckling Corriedale ewes by the use of ram effect during low

breeding season.

Similarly, as compared to A group finding, the conception rate was found as

80% by exposing anovulatory Sarda ewes to ram for having ram effect by injecting a

single injection of 30mg progestrone plus 500 IU PMSG 36 hours before ram

introduction. Their results could possibly be matched with results of B group if not

using hormonal therapy whereas buck effect was achieved without any hormonal

injection or implant (Todini et al., 2007). The findings of present study differ from

the work of Chao et al.,(2008); Husein and Abahneh (2008); Faigl et al. (2008) and

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DeNicolo et al. (2008) as they get aid of hormonal implants and therapies to get high

% of estrus induction instead of ram effect.

Conclusion:

Estrous induction with buck was evaluated and found that buck phenomenon

is more appropriate before the start of breeding season that might be due to avaiablity

of abundant green forages, grasses and environmental temperature was suitable to

some extent. Whereas,buck effect after breeding season showed poor results due to

extreme of winter .

4.5 References

Boly H, Miaro L, Tamboura H, Sawadogo L, Sulon J, Beckers JF, Leroy P. 2000.

Estrus synchronization in Djalonké var. “Mossi” ewes: comparison of

hormonal treatment and ram effect. Tropicultura. 18(4):177-180.

Chanvallon A, Blache D, Chadwick A, Esmaili T, Hawken PA, Martin GB, Vinoles

C, Fabre-Nys C. 2010. Sexual experience and temperament affect the

response of Merino ewes to the ram effect during the anoestrus season. Anim

Reprod Sci. 119(3-4): 205-211.


2008. Luteal lifespan and fertility after estrus synchronization in goats. J Vet

Sci. 9(1): 95-101.

Crosby TF, Murray, BF. 1988. Comparison of PMSG and teaser rams on reproductive

performance in ewe lambs. 11th Congress on Animal Reproduction and Artificial

Insemination, University College Dublin, June 26-30, Dublin, Ireland. Pp: 429.

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Corteel JM, Gonzales C, Nunes JF. 1982. Research and Development in the Control

of Reproduction. Proceeding of the 3rd International Conference on Goat

Production and Disease. Tucson, Arizona.

Delgadillo JA, Flores JA, Veliz FG, Duarte G, Vielma J, Hernandez H. Fernandez IG.

2006. Importance of the signals provided by the buck for the success of the

male effect in goats. Reprod Nutr Dev. 46(4): 391-400.



Reprod Sci. 109 (1-4): 124-133.

Faigl, K. Monika, Mariann A, Margit K, Sandor N, Bence J, Otto S, Sandor C.Gyula

H. 2008. Melatonin-based induction of ovarian cyclicity in intensive dairy

Awassi flocks. AWETH Vol 4. Kulonszam. (2):250-257.

Hamadeh SK, Abi Said M, Tami F, Barbour EK. 2001. Weaning and the ram-effect

on fertility, serum luteinizing hormone and prolactin levels in spring

rebreeding of postpartum Awassi ewes. Small Rumin Res. 41(2): 191-194.

Hulet CV, Shupe WL, Ross T, Richards W. 1986. Effects of nutritional environment

and ram effect on breeding season in range sheep. Theriogenology. 25(2):

317-323.

Husein MQ, Ababneh MM. 2008. A new strategy for superior reproductive

performance of ewes bred out-of-season utilizing progestagen supplement

prior to withdrawal of intravaginal pessaries. Theriogenology. 69(3): 376-383.

Javed K, Hussain SM, Afzal M. 2004. Studies on ram effect in Lohi sheep. Pak Vet J. 24(1):

52-53.

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Lassoued N, Khaldi G, Chemineau P, Cognie Y, Thimonier J. 1997. Role of the

uterus in early regression of corpora lutea induced by the ram effect in

seasonally anoestrus Barbarine ewes. Reprod Nutr Dev. 37(5): 559-571.

Martemucci G, Toteda F, Gambacorta M, Manchisi A.1984. Comparison between

ram effect and PMSG in estrus control. Rivista di Zootecnica Veterinaria. 12:

180-185.

Martin GB, Cognie Y, Schirar A, Nunes-Ribeiro A, Fabre-Nys C, and Thiery JC.

1985. Diurnal variation in the response of anoestrus ewes to the ram effect. J

Reprod Fertil. 75(1): 275-284.

Martin GB, Kadokawa H. 2006. Clean, green and ethical animal production.

Case study: reproductive efficiency in small ruminants. J Reprod Dev.

52(1): 145-152.

Mellado M, Olivas R, Ruiz F. 2000. Effect of buck stimulus on mature and pre-

pubertal norgestomet-treated goats. Small Rumin Res. 36(3): 269-274.

Over R, Cohen-Tannoudji J, Dehnhard M, Claus R, Signoret JP. 1990. Effect of

pheromones from male goats on LH-secretion in anoestrus ewes. Physiol

Behav. 48(5): 665-668.

Perkins A, Fitzgerald JA. 1994. The behavioural component of the ram effect:

the influence of ram sexual behavior on the induction of estrus in

anovulatory ewes. J Anim Sci. 72(1): 51–55.

Silva L, Ungerfeld R. 2006. Reproductive response in suckling Corriedale ewes

to the ram effect during the non-breeding season: effect of postpartum

condition and the use of medroxyprogesterone priming. Trop Anim

Health Prod. 38(4): 365-369.

Todini L, Malfatti A, Barbato O, Costarelli S, Debenedetti A. 2007.

Progesterone plus PMSG Priming in seasonally anovulatory lactating

Sarda ewes exposed to the ram effect. J Reprod Dev. 53(2): 437-441.

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Ungerfeld R, Ramos MA, Gonzalez-Pensado SP. 2008. Ram effect: adult rams

induce a greater reproductive response in anestrus ewes than yearling

rams. Anim Reprod Sci. 103(3-4): 271-277.

Veliz FG, Moreno S, Duarte G, Vielma J, Chemineau P, Poindron P, Malpaux

B, Delgadillo JA. 2002. Male effect in seasonally anovulatory lactating

goats depends on the presence of sexually active bucks, but not estrus

females. Anim Reprod Sci. 72(3-4):197–207.

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Table 4.1. Various reproductive parameters in Beetal goats during different

breeding seasons

Seasons Estrus% Conception rate %

A-August-2010

(out of breeding season)Before

80 80

B-Sep/Oct-2010

(Breeding Season)During

100 40

C-Dec.2010

(out of breeding season)After

24 0

D-Sep/Oct-2010

(Breeding Season)During

64 24

78

Chapter 5

EXPERIMENT 3:

Comparative productive and reproductive performance of Beetal goats in

accelerated and annual kidding systems

5.1 Introduction

High reproductive rate has significant influence on efficiency of production,

which means more animals may be available for sale. Therefore, most important way

for enhanced reproductive efficiency is accelerated kidding. Accelerated kidding may

be defined as three kiddings in two years or five kiddings in three years. Accelerated

kidding is a profitable techniquefor more meat production. This can be applied in

goats to increase the number of kids per year over once a year.

An important advantage of an accelerated kidding in production programs is

to fetch premium market prices during the off-season. Managemental conditions in

which the animals were kept also matters and acts as a tool to govern the success of

accelerated kidding. Beetal does planned to kid thrice in two years through

synchronization resulted in higher mutton production particularly during anestrus

although, breeding for receiving three kiddings per two years is a feasible strategy.

(Schneider and Stanko, 2005).

The efficiency of Beetal goats for mutton production can be increased by

adopting various methods like increasing the reproduction rate, exploiting the

potential of breeds with superior genetic makeup and by combining breeds for

variation at the time of mating and breeding female young stock to produce young

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ones when they are about one year old. Researchers suggested different ways to

increase the efficiency of kidding by the use of control internal drug release devise

(CIDR) and fluorogestone acetate (FGA) to induce puberty (Wheaton et al., 1992).

Other scientists have used photoperiod as a measure to initiate estrus behavior for

accelerated kidding in goats.

Frequency of kidding is helpful in increasing the total number of kids

produced during particular period of the year. However, a certain propotion of does

may be in estrus stage during any season (Lewis et al. 1996). It has been reported that

an accelerated breeding program for sheep kept indoor has been established at

Animal Research Centre in Ottawa (Hackett and wolynetz, 1984).

The kids produced through accelerated kidding may face survival issues,

effects on weight gain due to severe seasons, shortage of fodder and health problems.

There is need to conduct research on various productive parameters like birth weight

of kids, weekly weight gain, phenotypic characters like height at withers,body length,

heart girth, economics of production and reproductive parameters including

conception rate, gestation length, kidding percentage, services per conception, litter

size and kidding interval for the comparion of accelerated against annual kidding in

Beetal goats. Such study may be helpful in finalizing breeding plans for small

ruminants in the country to overcome meat shortage.

Exeprimental Hypothesis: The accelerated kidding system may be helpful in

achieveing more kid crop with better reproductive efficiency as compared to annual

kidding system thereby reducing economic burdon.

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In this study, a total of 50 adult Beetal goats were divided into two groups viz.

accelerated kidding and annual kidding having 25 animals each. The animals of each

group were kept in separate groups. The experiment was conducted at Small

Ruminant Training and Research Centre, Ravi Campus Pattoki, University of

Veterinary & Animal Sciences Lahore, Pakistan. The does were selected on the basis

of their age, body size, weight and parity. Different breeding bucks were used for

each group having similar size, weight and age. All the animals included in this study

were fed according to national research council requirements for goats (NRC, 1981)

at various stages of age, production and reproduction. Pilot studies were conducted on

the experimental animals to optimize the experiment conditions. Flushing ration was

provided to the does and buck was introduced to have buck effect in does of

accelerated group for the initiation of activity during out of season breeding. The

annual kidding group was considered as control group (Breeding pattern 1) while the

does were bred every eight months for accelerated kidding (Breeding pattern 2).

Breeding of both schemes was started from October, 2009 and completed in

September / October, 2011. During the whole study the accelerated kidding group

produced three crops where as the annual breeding group produced two crops. The

data regarding productive and reproductive parameters of both groups were recorded.

The offsprings produced by both the groups were reared carefully under similar

managemental conditions up to maturity. The green fodder was provided @ 10 % of

body weight to all the animals. The fresh and clean water was made available to all

the animals daily for twenty four hours. Enterotoxemia, Pleuropneumonia,

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Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia vaccines were injected to all the animals. The

kids were given mother’s milk till the age of 6 months.

5.2.1 Data collection

During the entire experiment period, the data pertaining to following parameters were

recorded.

5.2.1.1 Productive performances

The weekly weighing of kids was done regularlytill 9 months of their age. The kids

were measured fortnightly for length, heart girth, and height at withers. The weekly

weight gains were calculated by substracting initial weight. The economics of

production was also calculated.

5.2.1.2 Reproductive performances

Fertility rate, gestation length, kidding percentage, services per conception,

litter size and kidding interval was also recorded. Kidding percentage was

calculated by the formula:

Number of kids borned

Kidding percentage= -------------------------------------------- X 100

Number of does exposed to bucks

While services per conception reffered to as the average number of services required

per conception. Litter size means the number of kids born per doe, per 100 does per

year (Khan, 2002).

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Statistical analysis

To asses the effect of treatments, the analysis of variance was performed by

completely randomized design (Steel et al., 1997) using proc GLM procedure of SAS.

1995 (SAS institute, cary, NC).

Production Economics

Comparative economics of weight gain and total annual weight of offsprings

of both the groups were calculated at the end of the research

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2009

2010

2

011

Breeding Pattern 1

BREEDING KIDDING

October

March – April

October

March – April

Figure No.5.1. Breeding pattern for does under annual kidding system

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`

2009

2010

2

011

Breeding Pattern 2

BREEDING KIDDING

October-September

March–April

July – August

October- November

February-March

June – July

Figure No. 5.2. Breeding pattern for does under accelerated kidding

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5.3 Results

5.3.1 Annual Kidding System

Productive and reproductive performance in Beetal goats under accelerated

and annual kidding systems is presented in table 5.1. The performance of kids is also

depicted by table 5.2. Under annual kidding system conception rate, kidding rate,

single and twin births were 56, 56, 42.86, 51.14 and 24, 24, 33.33, 66.67% for 2009

and 2010, respectively. The values regarding litter size, average body weight, services

per conception and average gestation length are also presented in this table. The total

number of goats was 25 for annual system, showed estrus as 56 and 64%, during

September 2009 and 2010, respectively.

5.3.3 Accelerated Kidding System

Three crops were obtained from a group of 25 goats in accelerated kidding

system. The conception rate, kidding, single birth and twining was observed as 60,

80, 40, 60% and 28, 28, 71.43, 28.57% during September, 2009 and August 2010,

respectively. Whereas, goats during the month of March, 2011 showed conception

rate, kidding, single birth, twining and triplet 36, 60, 26.67, 53.33 and 20%,

respectively. The values related to litter size, body weight, services per conception

and gestation length are also presented in table 5.1. The number of kids produced by

goats under accelerated kidding system during March-April 2010, October-

November, 2010 and June – July, 2011 were 20, 7 and 15, respectively.

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5.3.4 Productive Performance

5.3.4.1 Birth weight

The values regarding mean ± std. error and range are shown in table 5.2. Data

on means of birth weight were obtained from three crops of accelerated kidding

system and two crops of annual kidding system to compare the productive

performance of Beetal goat kids. The highest value of mean birth weight was found

in 2nd kid crop of accelerated kidding system as compared to the 1st kid crop which

showed less value of birth weight. Birth weight of 3 kid crops in accelerated kidding

system were noticed as 2.85±0.13, 3.32±0.40 and 3.29±0.31kg, during 3 different

seasons i.e. March-April 2010, October- November, 2010 and June-July 2011,

respectively (table 5.2).

5.3.4.1.2 Weight at different ages

The values regarding mean weight at 3, 6 and 9 months of Beetal goat

kids are presented in table 5.2. These weights were compared between three crops of

accelerated kidding system and two crops of annual kidding system to evaluate the

best performance among both kidding systems. The body weight at 3 months of age

was found higher in 1st kid crop of accelerated system than other crops of accelerated

as well as annual kidding system. The lowest body weight (11.31±0.36 kg) at 3

months of age was found of 2nd

kid crop in accelerated kidding system. Trends of

weight of different crops at 3 months in accelerated and annual kidding systems are

presented in figure 6.5. The body weight at 6 months of age of 1st kid crop was found

higher as compared to rest of all kid crops of accelerated as well as annual kidding

system. The lowest average body weight at this age was found in 2nd

kid crop of

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accelerated group (21.20±0.37 kg). The weight attained by different kid crops at 6

months of age is presented in figure 6.6. The body weight in 1st kid crop at 9 months

of age was found higher than other crops of accelerated as well as annual kidding

system. The body weight was found the lowest at this age of 2nd

kid crop (27.28

±0.24 kg) of accelerated kidding system. The trend of weight of different kid crops at

9 months age is presented in figure 6.7. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done

to evaluate the effect of various environmental factors (dam age, dam weight, season

of birth, sex, type of birth, kid crop and interaction among various factors) affecting

birth weight and weight at 3 month, 6 months and 9 months. This analysis showed a

significant effect (P<0.05) of dam weight, type of birth and crop on birth weight

whereas a significant effect (P<0.05) of type of birth on weight at 3 and 6 months was

observed. Similarly significant interaction was observed between dam weight × type

of birth for weight at 3 months. While, non-significant interactions were found among

rest of other factors. The highest value of mean weight at 3 months was found in 1st

kid crop of accelerated kidding system as compared to the 2nd

kid crop which showed

the lowest value of weight in same kidding system. Similarly, 1st kid crop of annual

kidding system showed high value of mean weight as compared to the 2nd

kid crop in

same kidding system. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed by 1st kid crop of

accelerated kidding system, when compared to the 2nd and 3rd crop in accelerated

kidding system. The 2nd

kid crop of annual kidding system showed significant

difference (P<0.05), when compared to the rest of other kid crops of accelerated and

annual kidding system. Non-significant difference was observed between 2nd

and 3rd

kid crop of accelerated kidding system as well as three kid crops of accelerated

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kidding system compared to the 1st kid crop of annual kidding system. The highest

value of mean weight at 6 months was found in 1st kid crop of accelerated kidding

system as compared to the 2nd

kid crop which showed less weight at 6 months value

in same kidding system. Similarly, 1st kid crop of annual kidding system showed high

value of mean weight at 6 months as compared to the 2nd

kid crop in same kidding

system. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed by three crop of accelerated

kidding system and 1st kid crop of annual kidding system when compared to the 2nd

kid crop in annual kidding system.

The highest value of mean weight at 9 months was found in 1st kid crop of

accelerated kidding system as compared to the 2nd

kid crop which showed a

decreasing trend of weight at 9 months in same kidding system. Similarly, 1st kid crop

of annual kidding system showed high value of mean weight at 9 months as compared

to the 2nd

kid crop in same kidding system. Non-significant difference was found by

1st kid crop of accelerated kidding system when compared to the 3rd crop of

accelerated kidding system as well as 1st kid crop in accelerated kidding system.

Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between 2nd

kid crop of annual kidding

system versus 1st and 3

rd kid crop of accelerated kidding system as well as 1

st kid

crop of annual kidding system. The overall pattern of attaining weight by kids of

three crops of accelerated and two crops of annual systems are presented in figure 6.1.

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5.3.4.1.3 Growth Rate

The average growth rate of the 1st kid crop at 3 months of age was found

higher than other age groups of accelerated kidding system as well as annual kidding

system. The lowest average growth (71.67±2.08 gms) rate achieved by 2nd

kid crop

was found in annual kidding system. The average growth rate of this 1st kid crop at 6

months of age was found more than all other kid crops of accelerated as well as

annual kidding system. The lowest average growth rate (93.56±2.27gms) was attained

by 1st kid crop in annual kidding system.

The average growth rate of the 1st kid crop at 9 months of age was observed

significantly higher than other age groups of accelerated as well as annual kidding

system. The lowest average growth rate (67.00±0.48 gms) was found in 1st kid crop

in accelerated kidding system and annual kidding system. The effect of different

environmental variants affecting different production parameters of Beetal goat kids

were investigated by analysis of variance using SAS 9.1.3. The results obtained from

the analysis are described in the following paragraphs. The 1st kid crop of annual

kidding system showed high value of mean birth weight as compared to the 2nd

kid

crop in same kidding system. Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed by 1st kid

crop of accelerated kidding system when compared to the 2nd

and 3rd

crop in

accelerated kidding system. Non-significant difference was observed between 2nd

and

3rd

crop of accelerated kidding system as well as three crops of accelerated kidding

system compare to the two annual crops of annual kidding system.

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5.3.4.1.4 Growth rate at different ages

The data regarding means of growth rate at 3, 6 and 9 months Beetal goat kids

were compared between three crops of accelerated kidding system and two crops of

annual kidding system to evaluate the best performance among both kidding systems

are presented in table 5.2. The highest value of mean growth rate at 3 months was

found in 1st kid crop of accelerated kidding system as compared to the 2

nd kid crop

which showed less value of growth rate at 3 months value in the same kidding

system. Similarly, 1st kid crop of annual kidding system showed high value of mean

growth rate at 3 months as compared to the 2nd

kid crop in same kidding system.

Significant difference (P<0.05) was observed among 1st and 2

nd kid crop of

accelerated kidding system. Similarly, significant differences (P<0.05) were observed

among 1st and 2

nd kid crop of annual kidding system. However, non-significant

difference was observed among 2nd

and 3rd

kid crop of accelerated kidding system.

The values regarding mean ± std. error and range are presented in table 5.2.

The highest value of mean growth rate at 6 months was found in 2nd

and 3rd

crop of

accelerated kidding system as compared to the 1st kid crop which showed less value

of growth rate at 6 months value in same kidding system. Similarly, 1st kid crop of

annual kidding system showed high value of mean growth rate at 6 months as

compared to the 2nd

kid crop in same kidding system. Significant difference (P<0.05)

was observed by three crops of accelerated kidding system and 1st kid crop of annual

kidding system when compared to the 2nd

kid crop in annual kidding system. Non-

significant difference was observed among three crops of accelerated kidding system

and 1st kid crop of annual kidding system

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The highest value of mean growth rate at 9 months was found in 2nd

kid crop

of annual kidding system as compared to the three crops of accelerated as well as 1st

kid crop of annual kidding system, showed equal value of growth rate at 9 months.

Non-significant difference was observed among three crops of accelerated kidding

system and 1st kid crop of annual kidding system. Whereas, significant difference

(P<0.05) was observed when compared 2nd

crop of annual kidding system to the rest

of other crops of accelerated and annual kidding system.

The ANOVA was also done to evaluate the effect of various environmental

factors (dam age, dam weight, season, sex, type of birth, crop and interaction among

various factors) affecting growth rate in Beetal goat kids at 3 month, 6 months and 9

months weight. The analysis of variance revealed a significant (P<0.01) difference

was found for growth rate among crops at 9 months of age.However, dam age was

non-significant for 3, 6 and 9 months of age. However, dam weight was found highly

significant (P<0.01) at 3 months of age. Season and sex effect was found non-

significant at 3, 6 and 9 months of age. Significant effect was noted at 3 months

(P<0.05) and 6 months (P<0.01) for the type of birth. The analysis of variance

revealed a significant interaction (P<0.05) of dam weight and type of birth. Also, the

non-significant interaction was observed between dam age × dam weights for growth

rate at 3 months. Significant (P<0.05) interaction was noted for the interactions

between crop and type of birth at 6 and 9 months of age. The overall pattern by which

kids of three crops of accelerated and two crops of annual systems have shown

growth is presented in figure 6.2. The significant (P<0.05) effect was noted for dam

age with sex at 3 and 9 months old kids. Significant effect of dam weight with type

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of birth and crop was observed at 3 (P<0.01), 6 (P<0.05) and 9 (P<0.05) months of

kids. Crop and type of birth also showed significant (P<0.05) effect at 6 and 9 months

of crop age.

5.3.5 Body Measurements

Morphometric measurements were taken to observe the growth pattern of

body for different dimentions like length, girth and height. The results are presented

in annexture-II.

5.3.6 Reproductive Parameters

5.3.6.1 Services per conception

Services per conception were found to be higher by all groups of accelerated

kidding system than that of annual kidding system. Trends of services per conception

by different goats of accelerated and annual kidding systems are presented in figure

6.3.

5.3.6.2 Conception percentage

When comparison was made between accelerated and annual kidding, it was

observed that September, 2009 group of accelerated kidding showed higher

conception rate i.e. 60% as compared to 28% in August, 2010 and 36% during March

2011. Similarly, it was found 56 and 24% during September, 2009 and 2010 of

annual kidding system. It was observed that September, 2009 group of accelerated

kidding system had high value of conception (60 %) as compared to annual kidding

(56%), yet values were little close.

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5.3.6.3 Gestation Length

The does under annual kidding system similar similar gestation period for

producing 1st and 2

nd kid crop as 150.40±0.40 and 150.33±0.49 days, respectively.

Average gestation length, among different groups of accelerated kidding system, was

found to be the lowest in goats for March, 2011 i.e. 147.67±1.33 days as compared to

151.23±0.43 days in group of goats during September, 2009.

5.3.6.4 Litter Size

Among crops of annual kidding system higher value of litter size was found in

September, 2009 i.e. 1.50±0.55 as compared to 1.40±0.52 in 2010, although the

estimates were so close to each other. Trends of litter size by different goats in

accelerated and annual kidding systems are presented in figure 6.4.

As regards litter size among different crops of accelerated kidding system, the

highest percentage was observed in March 2011 i.e. 1.66±0.71 as compared to

1.43±0.51 during September, 2009. It was observed that March 2011 group of

accelerated kidding system led in litter size value i.e. 1.66±0.71 vs. 1.40±0.52,

respectively. It was observed that March, 2011 group of accelerated kidding system

led litter size value wise i.e. 1.66±0.71 during March, 2011.

5.3.6.5 Kidding Interval

The values regarding mean ± std.error for kidding interval are presented in

table 5.3. The data regarding means of kidding interval on two systems i.e. annual vs.

accelerated were obtained from two crops of annual and three crops of accelerated

system, respectively to compare the reproductive performance of Beetal goats.

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Kidding interval value was found the highest in annual kidding system as compared

to accelerated kidding system i.e. 332.75±10.05 days that clearly indicates the

efficiency of accelerated kidding system over annual kidding system.

5.3.6.6 Kidding Percentage

The highest percentage of kidding rate among different crops of accelerated

kidding was observed as 80 28 and 60% during September, 2009, August, 2010 and

March 2011, respectively. Similarly, among crops of annual kidding system higher

percentage of kidding was found in September, 2010 i.e. 36 as compared to 56% in

2009. When comparison was made between accelerated and annual kidding system, it

was observed that September, 2009 group of accelerated kidding was at top in

kidding % i.e. 80 vs. 56, respectively.

5.3.7 Type of Birth

5.3.7.1 Single Births

The percentage of single births among different crops of accelerated kidding

was observed high in August, 2010 i.e. 71.43% as compared to 26.67% in March

2011. Among crops of annual kidding system higher percentage of single birth was

found in September, 2009 i.e. 42.86% as compared to 33.33% in 2010. While

comparing accelerated and annual kidding system, it was observed that September,

2009 group of accelerated and of annual kidding system shared almost same value i.e.

40 and 42.86%, respectively.

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5.3.7.2 Twinn Births

When it comes to twinning, the highest percentage was found among crops of

annual kidding system as observed during August/September, 2010 i.e. 66.67% as

compared to 28.27% in accelerated kidding system during September, 2010. When

accelerated and annual kidding systems were compared, it was observed that annual

kidding group exhibited kidding (58.90%) and accelerated kidding group (47.3%).

5.3.7.3 Triple Births

The triplet percentage was found 20% only in kid crop of March, 2011 group

as compared to rest of all other groups in accelerated kidding as well as annual

kidding system found to be null, 0%. Triplet births were not found in rest of all other

crops of accelerated as well as annual kidding system.

5.3.8 Mortality

The mortality in kid crop 2nd

of accerated system was observed as 4.76 % and

it was not found in rest of the crops of annual as well as accerated kidding system

(table 5.4).

5.3.9 Economics of production

The average cost of concentrate was observed more in accelerated as

compared to annual kidding system which significantly implies that animals in

accelerated kidding system consumed more concentrate. It was observed that cost of

concentrate for flushing was worth rupees = 19800/-and 29700/-, for annual and

accelerated kidding system, respectively. These values are presented in table 5.4. The

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results of this study demonstrated that per kilogram (Kg) live weight in annual and

accelerated kidding systems was Rs=43.98 and 53.00, respectively.

5.4 Discussion

5.4.1 Productive Performance

5.4.1.1 Birth Weight

Birth weight of kids produced in three different seasons of March-April, 2010;

October- November, 2010 and June-July, 2011 were noticed as 2.85±0.13 kg,

3..32±0.40 kg and 3.29±0.31kg with an average value of 3.07 as compared to two kid

crops produced in annual kidding system having birth weight as 3.09±0.16 kg and

3.08±0.16 kg, respectively. The findings of present study for kid crops produced

during June-July 2011 are close to the results of Afzal et al. (2004) who found birth

weights for male and female kids as 3.48 ± 0.06 and 3.29 ± 0.06 kg, respectively.

This could be due to breed difference as some goats’ breeds have more genetic

potential to show maximum efficiency as regards birth weight. The birth weight as an

important productivity measure in any management system is associated with

neonatal mortality as well as decrease in size of litters and high birth weight may

cause dystocia, ultimately leads to maternal death (Alexander, 1974).The variation in

birth weight had immense importance regarding kid health and long term survival

(Godfrey and Barker, 2001).Similar to the results of present study, the findings of

Giussani et al.(2003) reported that intrauterine environment put more pronounced

effect for increase in birth weight. However, the maternal weight influences the fetal

growth, resulting into increased birth weight. Mellor and Matheson. (1979)

hypothesized that nutritional intake significantly affect the birth weight which

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ultimately shows an improved fetal growth in ewes. Andrew (1998) reported that

these result occurred because of limited forage supply in July and August and higher

nutrient requirements for spring lambing in those months. The overall nutrient

requirements were higher in the fall with winter clean-up and high-fertility fall

lambing than in spring lambing as a result of the increased ewe and lamb numbers.

The lambs consumed more concentrate for fall with winter clean-up and high-fertility

fall lambing than for spring lambing because of the increased numbers of lambs.

The findings of present study for 1st kid crop produced during March-April

2010 are comparable with the results of Mohammed and Amin, (1997) who reported

birth weight for single male Sahel goat kids as 2.7±0.5 kg. The findings of present

study do not match with

reported by Amoah et al. (1996) and 4.88 to 4.53 kg, in medium sized Mexican goats

as observed by Mellado et al. (2008). However, contrary to the findings of present

study, high birth weight as 3.5 and 3.56 kg was reported by Zhou et al. (1996) and

Abd El Gadir et al. (2005) in Cashmere goats and crossbred of Saanen and Nubian,

respectively.

The results of present study for all kid crops are not in agreement with the

findings of Jing et al., (2010) who reported less birth weight of male and female kids

of Longling Yellow goats as 2.48±0.41 and 2.34±0.39 kg. The findings of birth

weight in all kid crops also donot coincide with the results of Mohammed and Amin

(1997) who figured out birth weights for twin male Sahel goat kids as 2.3±0.2 kg.

Also breed variation plays an important role in describing the animal genetic

potential. There are so many other breeds of goats, as the size of goats varies; the

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birth weight of off springs also varies. The findings of present study for all kid crops

of annual and accelerated kidding systems are not in complete agreement with the

results of Malau-Aduli et al. (2004), Khanum et al. (2007) and Munyua et al. (2000)

who reported less birth weight of kids ranging from 1.3-1.4 kg in Red Sokoto,

1.6±0.2-2.1±0.5 kg in Dwarf goat kids and 1.8±0.9 kg, respectively. All the kids of

these breeds showed significantly less weight as compared to Beetal kids. The birth

weight of kids was 1.7 kg in 35 Alpine goats as studied by Marzouk et al. (2000),

2.1±0.12 kg in 4528 Angora (Gerstmayr and Horst, 1995), Marzouk et al. (2000) and

Gunes et al. (2002) reported coinciding result in 35 Alpine goats as 2.7±0.42 kg and

3.0±0.04 kg in 491 Angora goats, respectively. Similar findings of birth weight

records in kids of Beetal goats as 2.7 kg in 284 animals was observed by Malik and

Kanauiia (1991) as well as 2.8 kg in 232 Beetal goats as reported by Sinha and Sahni

(1983). Similarly, Montaldo and Juarez, (1982) observed birth weight as 2.7±0.07 kg

in 84 Granada as well as 2.8 kg in 224 Jamnapari goats (Setiadi, 1988) and 3.0kg in

232 Jamnapari (Sinha and Sahni, 1983), respectively, similar to the findings of

present study. The results of 2nd

kid crop of accelerated kidding are in agreement

with the findings of Santos et al. (1989), Misra,(1981) and Shafiq and Sharif, (1996)

who reported birth weight as as 3.3±0.08 in 182 Anglo-Nubian goats, 3.3 in 15 Beetal

and 3.3±0.82 kg in 196 Beetal goats, respectively. However,the birth weight results of

two kid crops coincide with the findings of Ali (2006) who reported as 3.1±0.69 kg in

4554 Beetal goats and do not coincide with the results of Yadav et al. (2003) who

reported as 3.2±0.02 kg in 525 Kutchi goats.

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The results of present study are not in line with the findings of Bhusan and

Singh, (2005) who reported birth weight as 2.4±0.14 kg in 45 Jakhrana goat kids. The

results of two crops in annual and three kid crops of accelerated kidding do not

coincide with the findings of Mukundan et al. (1981), Oluka et al. (2004) and

Ssewannyana et al. (2004) who reported birth weight as 1.7 kg in 208 Malabari goats,

2.0±0.04 kg in 60 Mubende goats and 2.0±0.05kg in 175 Mubende, respectively. The

results of two crops in annual and three kid crops of accelerated kidding do not

coincide with the findings of Hyder (2000), Pathodiya et al. (2005) and Jingar et al.

(2005) who found birth weight as 1.4±0.06 kg in Teddy kids, 2.1kg in Sirohi and

2.2±0.15 kg of 1497 Sirohi goats, respectively. Teddy goat is of short stature breed.

The findings of present study for all kid crops do not resemble with the findings of

Sinha and Sahni (1983), Husain et al. (1996) and Hossain et al. (2004) who found the

birth weight of kids as 1.0 kg in 232 Black Bengal, 1.1 kg in 892 Black Bengal by,

1.2±0.05 kg in 25 Black Bengal. The results of present study are dissimilar with

findings of Jing et al. (2010) who reported birth weight in male and female kids of

Longling Yellow goats as 2.48±0.41 kg and 2.34±0.39 kg at the day of birth,

respectively.

5.4.2 Growth Rate:

5.4.2.1 Growth Rate at 3 Months:

The 3rd

kid crop of accelerated kidding system gained average growth rate as

90.45±3.75 gms at 3 months of age. Whereas, it was observed as 71.67±2.08 and

97.00±2.54 gms in same age groups among two kid crops of annual kidding system .

The lowest average growth rate was found 88.71±2.17 gms in 2nd

kid crop of

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accelerated kidding system. The findings of growth rate at this age donot match with

Ali and Khan (2008) who reported that Beetal goat kids grew at the rate of 102±27.0

gm. Like wise, the results of this factor are not in agreement with the findings of

Shafiq and Sharif (1996) who observed growth rate in the kids of Beetal goat as

107±0.0 gms per day.


The average growth rate of 2nd

kid crop in accelerated kidding system was

noticed as 109.86±1.03 gms at 6 months of age. The average growth rate of 2nd

kid

crop was found significantly higher than other kid crops of accelerated kidding

system. The findings of present study as regards to 2nd kid crop in accelerated

kidding system are in full agreement to that of Shafiq and Sharif (1996) who observed

growth rate in the kids of same breed of goat as 107±0.0 gms per day. The 3rd

kid

crop of accelerated kidding system showed 109.64±1.26 gms as average growth rate.

The results of growth rate donot coincide with Ali (2006) and Shafiq and Sharif

(1996) who reported that Beetal goat kids grew at the rate of 51.0±11.5 and 46.0±0.2

gms per day, respectively. The reason may be that kids were not weaned in this study

and has been allowed to suckle milk along with provision of fodder to them. So no

stress due to weaning was experienced by them. Whereas, growth rate among two kid

crops of annual kidding system were observed as 93.56±2.27 and110.71±0.94 gms in

same age group. The lowest average growth rate was found in 1st kid crop as

93.56±2.27 gms in annual kidding system.

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The average growth rate (67.00±0.48 gm) of 1st kid crop in accelerated

kidding system was noticed at 9 months of age. The average growth rate of 1st kid

crop was found the lowest than other kid crops of accelerated kidding system as well

as 1st kid crop of annual kidding system. The 2

nd kid crop of accelerated kidding

system showed 967.57±2.72 gms) as average growth rate and 3rd

kid crop had a pace

of growth rate as 67.73±6.08 gms. Whereas, growth rate among two kid crops of

annual kidding system was observed as 66.64±1.42 and 91.22±2.74 gms falling in the

same age group. The lowest growth rate was found in 1st kid crop as 66.64±1.42 and

67.00±0.48 gms in annual and accelerated kidding system. The results of present

study donot agree with the findings of Wang, (2011) who reported that a growth rate

of 94.4 and 119.7 gms in crossbreds of local black goat with Boer. This difference in

growth might be due to genetically different breeds.Boer goat has been developed as

meat breed. These results donot resemble with Bazzi and Ghazaghi, (2011) who

reported that a growth rate of 118.40±4.0 gms in Sistani goats. These findings also

donot agree with that of Roy et al. (2011) who reported that growth rate in

Jamunapari goats as 120±78 gms.

5.5 Body weight

5.5.1 Body Weight at 3 Months

The average body weight of 1st kid crop in accelerated kidding system was

noticed as 12.71±0.53 kg at 3 months of age. The body weight in this kid crop was

found higher than other kid crops of accelerated kidding system as well as annual

kidding system. The 2nd

kid crop of accelerated kidding system showed 11.31±0.36

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and 3rd

kid crop attained body weight as 11.43±0.48 kg at 3 months of age. Whereas,

weight at 3 months of age, among two kid crops of annual kidding system was

observed as 11.82±0.28 and 9.53±0.25 kg. The lowest body weight was found in 2nd

kid crop as 11.31±0.36 kg in accelerated kidding system.

The results of present study for 2nd

kid crop of annual and 3rd

kid crops of

accelerated kidding system more or less coincide with those of Gerstmayr and Horst

(1995) who reported weaning weight in Angora goats as 10.8±1.9 kg. The results of

present study for 2nd

kid crop of annual kidding system are not in agreement with the

findings of Hyder et al. (2001) who noticed body weight in Teddy goats as 10.4±2.05

kg. However, there are different findings of different researchers from different

regions of world that are quite different from the results of present work. The less

body weight in different goat breeds was reported by many researchers at different

period of the year gave a strong indication about short stature of goats. However, the

findings of present study do not match more or less with that of Shafiq et al. (1994)

who reported body weight in Teddy goats as 10.52±0.97 kg. Similarly, present results

slightly match to that of Shafiq et al. (1992) who also narrated body weight as

9.74±1.85 kg in Teddy goats.

On the other hand, the results differ from those of Malan (2000), Christopher,

(2002) and King et al. (2010) while dealing with Boer goat who reported body weight

as 29 kg, 22.5 kg and 21.65kg, respectively. These results points towards high

productive potential of this breed as compared to Beetal goat breed. Some other

breeds like Khari, Malabari, and Sistani showed body weight results deviated from

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the findings of present study as 7.47±0.119, 5.0 and 9.9kg as described by Neopane

(1999), Mukundan et al. (1981) and Bazzi and Ghazaghi (2011), respectively.


The 2nd

kid crop of accelerated kidding system showed body weight as

21.20±0.37 kg and 3rd

kid crop had body weight as 21.30±0.46 kg at this age.

Whereas, body weights of 1st kid crop of annual kidding system was observed as

21.80±0.31 kg. The lowest body weight at 6 months of age was found in 2nd

kid crop

as 21.20±0.37 kg in accelerated kidding system. The findings of present study for all

kid crops in annual and accelerated kidding system do not match with that of Kumar

et al. (2010) who reported their results as 16.31±0.21 kg in Sirohi goats. Similarly,

these findings do not coincide to that of Gowane et al. (2011) who also found that

body weight at this stage of life in Sirohi goats as 18.36±0.09 kg. Moreover, present

findings for all kid crops are not in agreement with that of Sharma and Rai (2008)

who observed body weight in Sirohi goats breed as 16.77±0.30 kg. The most probable

reason for these findings showing no match may be due to breed difference as well as

seasonal variation prevailing in these regions.


The 2nd

kid crop in accelerated kidding system showed body weight as

27.28±0.24 kg and 3rd

represented as 27.40±0.34 kg at 9 months of age. The lowest

average body weight this age was found in 2nd

kid crop as 27.28±0.24 kg in

accelerated kidding system. The findings of present study for all other kid crops in

annual and accelerated kidding systems do not match with the findings of Bazzi and

Ghazaghi (2011) except 2nd

kid crop in annual system which slightly coincides with

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the findings of Bazzi and Ghazaghi (2011) who reported body weight in Sistani goat

breed as 26.25 kg. The results of present study for all kid crops also do not coincide

with that of Hassan et al. (2010) who reported body weight as 16.8±3.9 kg in

Jamnapuri breed. These findings also are not in agreement to that of Rout et al.

(2000) who observed that body weight in Jamunapari was 22.0 kg. Moreover, these

findings are not compareable to that of Sharma and Rai (2008) who found body

weight as 15.04±0.70 kg. These findings gave indications of goat breed that may be

miniature type.

5.7 Reproductive performance

5.7.1 Services per conception

The services per conception were found to be more by all groups of

accelerated kidding system and annual kidding system.These results were non-

significant among does of annual and accelerated kidding systems.The results of

present study are supported by various scientists like Hossain et al. (2004) and

Chowdhary et al. (2002) who reported services per conception value as 1.2 and 1.24

in Black Bangal goats, respectively. However, the findings of this study do not agree

with the findings of Jagtap et al. (1990), Amin et al. (2001) and Kumar et al. (2005)

who observed services per conception value as1.3±0.05 in Sirohi goats, 1.3±0.08 in

Black Bangal and 1.44 in Angora goats.

The findings of other workers regarding services per conception are in line

with the findings of present study i.e. 1.2±0.06, 1.2±0.07, 1.06±0.08 and 1.24 as

observed in Black Bangal and Jamnapari x Black Bengal, (Faruque et al., 2002), in

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Jamnapari x Black Bengal (Amin et al., 2001) Creole goats (Alexandre et al., 2001)

and Ganjam goats (Mohanty et al., 1985), respectively.

5.7.2 Conception Percentage

When comparison for conception percentage between accelerated and annual

kidding was made, it was found that September 2009 goats’ group of accelerated

kidding system showed an increased conception rate of 56%. The highest percentage

of conception among goats of accelerated kidding system was observed in September,

2009 i.e. 60 as compared to 28 in August 2010. Similarly, among goats of annual

kidding system, higher percentage of conception was found in September, 2009 i.e.

56 as compared to 24 % in 2010. The results of present study as regards fertility

percentage in group of goats bred for 2nd

annual crop of kids are in line with the

findings of Cairoli et al. (1987) who reported that the fertility rate in goats was found

to the tune of 36%. The results of does for fertility percentage bred during September

2009 in case of accelerated system are quite comparable with the findings of

Goonewardene et al. (1997) who reported the kidding percentage 64 % in case of

Alpine goats.

The findings of present study do not match with the results of Lofstedt and

Eness (1982) who reported conception rates was 32% which was significantly below

than the result of 1st and 2

nd kid crop of annual kidding system. However, 3

rd crop

results are close in line with the findings of these scientists). Similarly, Silva and

Ungerfeld (2006) conducted two experiments during out of breeding season. The

overall conception rate was found to be higher (63.3%) in ewes which were similar to

the results of 1st kid crop in accelerated and annual kidding system. They concluded

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that it is possible to induce oestrus in postpartum suckling Corriedale ewes by the use

of ram effect during low breeding season.

5.7.3 Gestation Length

The results pertaining to gestation lengths in Beetal goats among all groups of

annual and accelerated kidding systems were found non-significant. This might be

more or less same due to does of same breed. The average gestation length, among

different groups of accelerated kidding system, was found the lowest in March, 2011

group i.e. 147.67±1.33 days as compared to the 150.40±0.40 days in September, 2009.

The results of gestation length (March, 2011) are in line with the findings of Moaeen-

ud-Din et al. (2008) and Llewelyn et al. (1992) who observed mean gestation period

as 150±7.4 and 146.7±3.0 days in Matou and indigenous goats in Zimbabwe,

respectively. Similarly it was 144.8±3.9 days in four Dwarf female goats (Khanum et

al. (2008). The findings of present study do not agree with the results of Malecki et

al., 1987 and Khanum et al., 2007 who reported 142-147 and 145.2±4-145.8±5

gestation days, respectively. Among different age groups of annual kidding system

length of average gestation period was almost similar in two groups of September

2009 and 2010 i.e. 150.40±0.40 and 150.33±0.49 days, respectively. The results of

Bessette and Rurak (2010) also coincide with the results of present study i.e. annual

kidding system as the gestation length varied between 141 to 151 days. Similarly,

when a female sheep-goat chimaera was monitored by introducing a vesectomised

ram, gave birth to a healthy lamb on day 147 of pregnancy (Anderson et al., 1991).

5.7.4 Litter Size

The litter size was observed non-significant among kids of different crops of

annual and accelerated systems. As regards litter size among different crops of

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accelerated kidding system, the highest percentage was observed in kid crop of

March, 2011 i.e. 1.66± 0.81 as compared to 1.43±0.51 in September 2009. This result

is comparable with the findings of Ungerfeld et al. (2007) who observed the litter size

ranging from 1.6±0.1-1.8±0.1 for low, medium and high ranked goats, respectively.

Higher value of litter size among crops of annual kidding system was found in kid

crop received during 2010 i.e. 1.50±0.55 as compared to 1.4 % in September 2009.

The accelerated lambing increased the productivity which might be due to intensive

feeding, hormonal therapy and artificial provision of light as reported by Nugent and

Jenkins (1991) whereas. Jenkins, (1986) supported these findings regarding high litter

size in accelerated that more number of lambs were produced/ewe/year that might be due

to advantage of multiple exposure because of opportunity for each ewe to lamb more than

once/year.

When comparison was made between accelerated and annual kidding system,

it was observed that March 2011 group of accelerated kidding system lead litter size

% value i.e. 1.66 vs. 1.5, although values were little close to each other. The results of

present study showed quite resemblance with the findings of Khanum et al. (2008)

and Cairoli et al. (1987) who observed litter size in Dwarf goats of Pakistan as

1.3±0.5 and1.33 litter size per pregnant goat. These findings of 2nd

crop in annual

kidding system also match with the results of Borde et al. (2006) who reported litter

size as 1.5. The litter size was reported as 0.95, 1.39-1.49 and 1.76 in goats of

Southwest China (Zhao et al., 2010), in medium sized Mexican goats (Mellado et al.,

2008) and Alpine and Saanen goats (Goonewardene et al., 1997), respectively. The

results of present work are not in accordance with the findings of Kausar et al. (2009),

Khanum et al. (2007) and Moaeen-ud-Din et al. (2008) who reported high litter size

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as 1.8±0.5 in Beetal x Dwarf cross bred goats, 1.8±0.8 in Dwarf goats and 2.14±0.9

and Matou goats, respectively, respectively. Sibanda, (1990) reported that under an

accelerated kidding system, the productivity of Matebele does in terms of

reproductive performance in accelerated (supplemented), (non-supplementd) and

annual in terms of fertility, was observed as 0.6±0.03, 0.5±0.32 and 0.9±0.05,

reproductive rate 1.8±0.08, 1.6±0.10 and 1.7±0.10, number of parturitions /doe

0.9±0.05, 0.8±0.05 and 1.5±0.11 and kidding interval 330±16.8, 374±18.3

and363±15.0, respectively. It has been reported that fertility, reproductive rate,

number of parturitions/doe and kidding interval has been reduced in accelerated

system as compared to annual system.

However, the results of present are not similar with the findings of Wilson and

Murayi, (1988) who reported litter size value as 1.75 and 1.87 in small East African

goat and its crosses with the Anglo-Nubian and Alpine and Spanish goats,

respectively. Three kid crops were received by accelerated kidding system and two

crops by annual kidding system and their body weight and growth rate at different

stages of life were also observed. The different productive parameters including

growth rate and average body weight were analyzed among 3 kid crops of accelerated

and 2 crops of annual kidding system.

5.7.5 Kidding Percentage

While obtaining different kid crops through accelerated kidding, the highest

kidding percentage was observed in September, 2009 i.e. 80% during August, 2010.

Similarly, among crops of annual kidding system, percentage of kidding during

September, 2009 was 56%. These findings are closely in line with the results of Zhao

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et al. (2010) who described kidding percentage as 53.8% in goats of subtropical

monsoonal climate of Southwest China. The findings of present study for the does

producing 3rd

crop of kids in case of accelerated kidding system agree with the

findings of Lawrenz (1986) who noticed high kidding percentage in different groups

of Boer goats as 60.8%. High kidding percentage could a phenomenon of better

feeding and housing management. The findings of all the goat groups for annual and

accelerated kidding systems except for goats producing 1st kid crop in accelerated

kidding system, do not agree with the findings of Titi et al. (2008) who reported high

kidding percentage i.e. 77% in goats.

5.7.6 Kidding Interval

Data regarding means of kidding interval on two systems i.e. annual vs.

accelerated were collected from groups of Beetal goats of annual and accelerated

kidding, respectively to compare the reproductive performance. Kidding interval

value was found longest in annual kidding system i.e. 332.75±10.05 days as

compared to accelerated kidding system i.e. 268.33±6.01 and 275.00±4.56 days that

clearly indicates the efficiency of accelerated kidding system over annual kidding

system. The results of present study are in line with the findings of Faruque et al.

(2002), Bhatnagar et al. (1976) and Bhatnagar et al. (1975) who obsaerved kidding

interval in black Bengal goats and Beetal goats of Pakistan i.e.276±18.9, 260 and 270

days, respectively. The results of present study are not in line with the findings of

Singh and Acharya, (1980) who found kidding interval in Beetal goats as longest

figure as 382±3.1 (days). The results of present study did not coincide with Singh and

Roy, (2003) who found longest kidding interval in 256 Jamunapari goats i.e.

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110

398±6.3days. The results of present study donot match with Ali and Khan (2008) who

reported longest kidding interval of 4554 Beetal goats of Pakistan i.e. 377±126 days.

The results of present study did not coincide with Hossain et al. (2004) who also

reported the lowest kidding interval length i.e. 193 days in 25 Black Bengal goats.

This might be due to breed difference.The results of present study did not resemble

with other workers like Gangwar and Yadav et al. (1987) and Singh et al. (2011) who

reported the results of kidding interval in Barbari goats (n=170 and n=34) as 229 and

229.4±7.1 days in India. Similarly, Barbari goats in India showed less kidding

interval among breeds of Indo-Pak region.

5.7.7 Type of Births

5.7.7.1 Single Births Percentage

Single birth percentage among different kid crops of accelerated kidding was

observed high in August, 2010 i.e. 71.43% as compared to 26.67% during March,

2011. Among crops of annual kidding system higher percentage of single birth was

found in August 2009 i.e. 42.86 as compared to 33.33% in September, 2010. When

comparison was made between accelerated and annual kidding system, it was

observed that September, 2009 group of accelerated kidding and September, 2009

group of annual kidding system shared the same value i.e. 40 and 42.86%,

respectively. The results of present study for single % in case of 1st crop of

accelerated kidding system are closely in line with the findings of Goonewardene et

al. (1997) who reported that single births were 40%. Whereas, Moaeen-ud-Din et al.

(2008) reported that single birth percentage was 27.4% which do not match with the

present study.

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5.7.7.2 Twinn Births Percentage

When it comes to twinning%, the highest percentage of twinning was

observed in annual during September, 2010 i.e. 66.67% as compared to 28.57% in

accelerated during August, 2010. The results of present study for single % in case of

1st crop of accelerated kidding system are not closely in line with the findings of

Goonewardene et al. (1997) who reported that twin births as 47%. However, the

results for twinning 28.57 % in case of 2nd

crop of accelerated kidding do not agree

with the findings of Goonewardene et al. (1997).

Similarly, among crops of annual kidding system, higher percentage of twin

birth was found in September, 2010 i.e. 66.67% as compared to 51.14% in 2009.

Comparison was made between accelerated and annual kidding system, it was

observed that September, 2010 group of accelerated kidding led kidding percentage

% value i.e. 66.67%. Twining percentage was found to be increasing significantly by

following different managemental protocols as reported by different scientist. Cam et

al. (2002) determined the performance of ewes and found that pregnancy rate was

higher i.e. 84% than control group (66%) during breeding season. It was also noted

that more twins (P<0.05) were produced in treated group. Twinning rate observed by

Moaeen-ud-Din et al. (2008), Afzal et al. (2004) and Llewelyn et al. (1992) were

found to be 45.5% in Matou goats, 47.9% Beetal in Pakistan and 75 % in indigenous

goats in Zimbabwe, respectively. These results are not in line with those of the

findings of present study that might be due to kids crops obtained during out of

season through accelerated kidding system however managemental practices like

provision of flushing ration could be a question mark in annual kidding system. The

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results of present study in does of annual crop-1, 2009 and annual crop-2 for twinning

were 51.14 and 66.67%, respectively while goats producing accelerated crops 1, 2

and 3 showed 60, 28.57 and 53.33%, respectively. The results of does for accelerated

crops 1 and 3 do not match with the findings of Moaeen-ud-Din et al. (2008) who

reported twinning 47.9% in Beetal goats of Pakistan. These results also did not

coincide with Llewelyn et al. (1992) who reported 75% in indigenous goats in

Zimbabwe.

5.7.7. 3 Triple Births Percentage

Whereas, triplet percentage was found 20% only in kid crop of March, 2011

group as compared to rest of all other groups in accelerated kidding as well as annual

kidding system found to be null, 0%. Triplets were found only in 3rd

crop of

accelerated kidding system as contrary with the findings of Goonewardene et al.

(1997) as 6%. However, triplets were not found in rest of all other crops of

accelerated as well as annual kidding system. The overall triplet percentage in case of

Matou goats was 16.3% (Moaeen-ud-Din et al., 2008).

5.8 Mortality (%)

The mortality in kids of accelerated crop 2 was only observed as 4.76%.The

results of present study were in accordance with the findings of Mellado et al. (2008).

These results did not match with the findings of mortality i.e. 15.3, 19.4 and 28% in

Norwegian goats (Engeland et al., 1999), in kids (Borde et al., 2006) and kids

(Abubakar et al., 2008), respectively. It was found that the preweaning lamb mortality

was 37% in Javanese thin tail ewes (Chaniago et al., 1988), which was also contrary

with the findings of present study.

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5.9 Economics of Production

It was observed that cost of concentrate for flushing was worth rupees =

19800/-and 29700/-, for annual and accelerated kidding system, respectively. The

results of this study demonstrated that per kilogram (Kg) live weight in annual and

accelerated kidding systems was Rs=43.98 and 53.00, respectively. Comparison of

production economics between Annual and Accelerated kidding systems is presented

in figure 6.8. The accelerated system of kidding is helpful in achieving more number

of kids. The findings of present work especially accelerated kidding coincide with the

results of Jabbar and Anjum, (2008) who reported the cost of production per kg gain

as rupees 55/- in selective groups of Lohi lambs of group C.

Dzabirski et al. (2010) evaluated the profitability and cost effectiveness of the

traditional and accelerated lambing systems and reported that traditional sheep

production system was on the margin of profitability as regards income/ cost ratio

equal to 1.14 at direct variable cost level which was equal to 0.99 at total cost level. It

was found that accelerated lambing (3 times in 2 years) with partial milking was the

most economical. It was also found that accelerated lambing without milking was the

least profitable.

The results regarding labour charges were more in case of accelerated kidding

system due to more time and inputs involved. These findings were coinciding with

the results of Andrew. (1998) who reported that labour costs were found highest in

fall with winter clean-up lambing because of the two lambing seasons.The findings of

accelerated kidding system in terms of profit were also in accordance with Synder

and Milligan (1987) who reported that Star system showed a positive return for the

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overall farm operation only for the high level of ewe productivity. Total cost per

pound of lamb observed was slightly below the assumed lamb price.They also found

that Star system for accelerated lambing has economic advantage over annual system.

The results of present study do not agree with the results of Anandana, (1996) who

carried out a study with male and female goats. It was reported the cost of production

per kilogram (Kg) was rupees 29.80 ± 1.83. The findings of present work do not

coincide with the results of Gregoirea et al. (1996) who calculated the cost of

production for does supplemented with herring and soybean meal as rupees 156/- and

158/-, which was found uneconomical.

Conclusion:

Accelerated kidding system was found more profitable in terms of productive

and reproductive performances. More number of kids was produced in accelerated

kidding system resulting into superfluous total birth weight and high profit margin.

Similarly, estrous, conception and kidding percentage was high in accelerated kidding

system. Therefore it can be concluded that accelerated kidding system in Beetal goats

is economically viable and adaptable.

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130

Table 5.1. Productive and reproductive performance in Beetal goats under accelerated and annual kidding systems.

Parameters

Month of breeding season

Annual kidding system Accelerated kidding system

September,

2009

August/September

2010

Mean

Value

September,2009 August, 2010 March, 2011 Mean

Value

Total no.of goats 25 25

Goats in oestrus (No) 56% (14) 64% (16) 60% 84% (21) 72% (18) 48% (12) 68%

Goats conceived (No) 56% (14) 24% (06) 40% 60% (15) 28% (07) 36% (09) 41.33%

Goats kidded (No) 40% (10) 24% (06) 32% 56% (14) 28% (07) 36% (09) 40%

Kids produced (No) 56% (14) 36% (09) 46% 80% (20) 28% (07) 60% (15) 56%

Kids died (No) 0.0 0.0 - 4.76% (02) 0.0 0.0 4.76%

Single birth (No) 42.86% (06) 33.33% (03) 38.09% (08) 40% 71.43% (05) 26.67% (04) 40.03%

Twin birth (No) 51.14% (08) 66.67% (06) 58.90% (12) 60% 28.57% (02) 53.33% (08) 47.3%

Triplet birth (No) 0.0 0.0 - 0.0 0.0 20% (03) -

Services/Conception 1.14a ±0.36 1.19

a ±0.40 - 1.32

b ±0.58 1.43

b ±0.53 1.64

c ±0.81 -

Litter size 1.50a ±0.55 1.40

b ±0.52 - 1.43

b ±0.51 1.42

b ±0.38 1.66

c ±0.71 -

Gestation length

(days) 150.40

a ±0.40 150.33

a ±0.49

- 151.23

a ±0.43 149.57

a ±0.95 147.67

a ±1.33

-

Means having different superscripts in a row are statistically significant (P<0.05)

Values in paranthese are the number of animals

EXPERIMENT 3

131

Table 5.2. Comparative productive performance in Beetal goats kids under accelerated and annual kidding systems

Months of birth of kids

Parameters


March-

April.2010

March-

April.2011

Mean Values March-

April.2010

October-

November 2010

June – July.

2011

Mean Values

Birth Weight (kg) 3.09

ab ±0.16

(2.50-4.25)

3.08ab

±0.16

(2.00-3.75)

3.08a ±0.11 2.85

b ±0.13

(2.00-3.75)

3.32a ±0.40

(2.00-4.50)

3.29a ±0.31

(2.00-5.00)

3.07a ±0.13

Growth rate from birth

to 3 months (gm)

97.00b ±2.54

(84-119)

71.67c ±2.08

(66-84)

87.08b ±3.14

109.44a ±5.83

(37-142)

88.71b ±2.17

(83-98)

90.45c ±3.75

(68-107)

99.61a ±3.51

Growth rate from 3-

6 months(gm)

93.56a ±2.27

(86-103)

110.7 1

c ±0.94

(103-114)

104.00a ±2.05 105.78

a ±4.05

(74-146)

109.86a ±1.03

(106-112)

109.64c ±1.26

(104-116)

107.75a ±2.06

Growth rate from

6- 9 months(gm)

66.64b ±1.42

(62-83)

91.22a ±2.74

(76-101)

76.26b ±2.88 67.00

b ±0.48

(62-70)

67.57b ±2.72

(54-77)

67.73b ±6.08

(33-101)

67.34a ±1.87

Weight at 3 months

(kg)

11.81ab

±0.28

(10.30- 14.70)

9.53c ±0.25

(8.00- 10.60)

10.92b ±0.30

12.71a ±0.53

(5.80-15.90)

11.31b ±0.36

(10.00-12.50)

11.43b ±0.48

(9.10-14.10)

12.05a ±0.32

Weight at 6 months

(kg)

21.80a ±0.31

(19.90-24.90)

17.94b ±0.33

(16.20-19.50)

20.29b ±0.46 22.23

a ±0.31

(18.00-23.90)

21.20a ±0.37

(19.90-22.50)

21.30a ±0.46

(18.70-23.50)

21.75a ±0.23

Weight at 9 months

(kg)

27.80a ±0.27

(26.50-30.60)

26.14b ±0.45

(24.30-28.10)

27.15b ±0.29 28.25

a ±0.32

(24.00-29.90)

27.28ab

±0.24

(26.70-28.50)

27.40a ±0.34

(25.30-28.90)

27.80a ±0.20

Means having different superscripts in a row are statistically significant (P< 0.05)

Values in parentheses are range values

132

Table 5.3. Means of kidding interval (days) between accelerated and annual

kidding systems

Groups

Mean± Std. Error

Annual Accelerated

Crop 1st & 2

nd Crop 1

st & 2

nd Crop 2

nd & 3

rd

Kidding

interval 332.75

a±10.05 268.33

b±6.01 275.00

b±4.56

The means in the row with different superscript vary significantly (P <0.05) from

each other

Table 5.4. Economics of annual and accelerated kidding systems

Parameters Annual Accelerated

Total Kids borned 23 42

Total Birth weight (kg) 71 110.75

Cost of concentrate @

Rs.22/kg

Rs.19,800/-

(600 gm x25x 60day)

Rs. 29700/-

(600 gm x25x90day)

Labour cost

@3000/month

Rs.12000/-

(Rs3000x4months)

Rs.18000/-

(Rs.3000/-x6 months)

Production Cost Rs.43.98 Rs.53.00

Sale price Rs @400/kg Rs.289200/-

(723kg x400)

23 animals,

No mortality was observed

Rs.3,60,000/-

(900kg x400)

2 animals died, out of 42

Mortality= 2/42= 4.76%

Difference/profit Rs.289200-31800=2,57,400/- Rs.360000-

47700=3,12,300/-

Extra Expenditure on

(Accelerated kiddings)

Rs.54900/-

FIGURES

133

Chapter 6

FIGURES

Figure 6.1. Trends of attaining weight at 3, 6 and 9 months of age

by accelerated vs. annual kid crops

Figure 6.2. Trends of attaining growth at 3, 6 and 9 months of age

by accelerated vs annual kid crops

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

3 6 9

Kilo

gram

s

Weight at different months

accelerated annual

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Growth 3 Growth 6 Growth 9

gram

s +/

- st

d e

rro

r

accelerated

Annual

FIGURES

134

Figure.6.3 Services per conception by different goats by

accelerated and annual kidding systems

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2

Acceleratedcrop-1

Acceleratedcrop-2

Acceleratedcrop-3

Annualcrop-1

Annualcrop-2

Nu

mb

er

of

serv

ive

s

FIGURES

135

Figure.6.4 Litter size by different goats in accelerated and annual

kidding systems

Figure.6.5 Weight of different crops at 3 months in accelerated

and annual kidding systems

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2

Acceleratedcrop-1

acceleratedcrop-2

Acceleratedcrop-3

Annualcrop-1

Annualcrop-2

mN

um

be

r o

f lit

ters

0.00

2.00

4.00

6.00

8.00

10.00

12.00

14.00

Acceleratedcrop-1

Acceleratedcrop-2

Acceleratedcrop-3

Annualcrop-1

Annualcrop-2

Me

ans

+/-

std

err

or

FIGURES

136

Figure.6.6 Weight of different crops of goats at 6 months of age

Figure.6.7. Weight of different crops of goats at 9 months of age

24.00

24.50

25.00

25.50

26.00

26.50

27.00

27.50

28.00

28.50

29.00

Acceleratedcrop-1

Acceleratedcrop-2

Accelratedcrop-3

Annual crop-1

Annual crop-2

Kilo

gram

s

FIGURES

137

Figure 6.8 Comparison of economics of production between annual

and accelerated kidding systems

43.98

53

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Annual Accelerated

Pak

R

s

138

Chapter 7

SUMMARY

Three kiddings in two years or five kiddings in three years refers as

accelerated kidding which is helpful to have more kids, helps to fetch higher market

prices during off-season. This can also increase life time production in the form of

meat, milk and fiber. High reproduction rate is the basiccondition to increase

efficiency of production. Most of the goats do not follow seasonal breeding pattern

and breed round the year resulting in management problems and high mortality

during severe weather conditions. Accelerated kidding strategy is a viable option that

affects the health and fertility of the flock. In the present investigation, three

experiments were conducted at Small Ruminant Training and Research Centre

(SRT&RC) Ravi Campus Pattoki, UVAS, Lahore. The experiment-I was about the

initiation of estrus activity in anestrus Beetal goats during low breeding season.

Twenty Beetal goats were selected from the existing flock, maintained at SRT&RC.

These goats were divided randomly into 4 groups i.e. A, B, C and D having 5 animals

in each group. Group A was treated as negative control by offering only green fodder,

group B was provided flushing ration along with green fodder (control), group C was

kept on green fodder along with hormone therapy of gonadotropin releasing hormone

(GnRH) and prostagladin (PGF2α) while group D was provided with green fodder,

flushing ration (600 gms/animal) and hormone therapy by providing GnRH and

PGF2α. Hundred percent estrus induction was achieved in group B, C and D as

compared to group A. The results revealed that fertility rate and kidding rate was high

i.e. 80 and 60 percent among animals of B group while animals of control group had

SUMMARY

139

less fertility, kidding and gestation rate. The shortest gestation length was found in

group B and C while triplet births were observed in goats of group D.

The experiment-II was regarding the initiation of estrus through buck effect in

Beetal goats. This experiment was conducted in two phases. Phase 1 comprised two

groups A and B for which estrus induction was done during pre-breeding (August)

and normal breeding (September/October) season. Similarly, Phase 2 comprised two

groups C and D in which estrus induction was done during post-breeding (December)

and normal breeding (September/October) season. Different reproductive parameters

like estrus, fertility percentage, were noted. The data regarding average birth weight

(kg) and gestation length (days) were recorded. Estrus signs were maximum in group

B while low in group C. However fertility rate was high in group A, instead of group

B. Overall kidding percentage was higher in A group but the lowest in group D. The

highest gestation length was observed in group D whereas the lowest value was found

in group B. Average litter size was higher in group D as compared to A and B group,

respectively.

The experiment-III was conducted to compare productive and reproductive

performance of Beetal goats in accelerated and annual kidding systems. Total of 50

adult Beetal goats were divided into two groups viz. accelerated kidding and annual

kidding having 25 animals each. The does were selected on the basis of their age,

body size, weight and parity. Different breeding bucks were used for each group

having similar size, weight and age. All the animals included in this study were fed

according to national research council (NRC) nutrient requirements for goats (NRC,

1981). Flushing rations and estrus inducing hormones both were provided to the does

of respective groups for preparation of breeding activity during out of season

breeding. The annual kidding group was considered as the control group, while the

SUMMARY

140

does were bred every eight months for accelerated kidding. The offsprings produced

by the pregnant does of 1st batch of both the groups were reared under similar

managemental conditions up to maturity. Three crops were produced in accelerated

kidding system as compared to two crops in annual kidding system. It was observed

that more number of animals i.e. 17 out of 25 showed estrus signs as compared to

annual kidding system where 15 animals showed estrus signs. There were non

significant differences for number of services per conceptionin two crops under

annual kidding groups. Higher percentage of estrus was observed in accelerated to annual

kidding. Total number of kids produced in accelerated kidding system was 42 with an

average 14 kids in three crops while 23 kids were produced in annual kidding system

in two years. Average cost of concentrate was observed high in accelerated kidding

system as compared to annual kidding system. Birth weight of kids produced in 3

different seasons i.e. March-April, October- November and June-July were found as

2.84, 2.91 and 2.98 kg. The overall results in term of reproductive efficiency, oestrus

behavior and kidding percentage were better in accelerated group than annual

kidding.

141

Chapter 8

ANNEXTURES

Annexture -I. Blood serum constituents in different groups of Beetal goats

Treatments

Means ± Std. Error

Total Protein Albumin Globulin

Glucose Urea

(gm/dL)

(mg/dL)

A=Control

(Fodder) 6.78±0.18 3.19±0.05 3.59±0.16

59.30±2.64 33.40±2.79

B=Fodder + Conc. 6.74±0.16 3.16±0.07 3.56±0.15 54.70±2.72 36.80±3.23

C=Fodder + GPG 6.60±0.13 3.43±0.09 3.17±0.17 55.60±2.61d 35.20±3.07

D=Fodder + conc.

+ GPG 6.59±0.24 3.25±0.13 3.34±0.18 54.00±2.44 34.00±3.13

The data in column are statistically non- significant

ANNEXURE

142

Annexture-II. Comparative morphmetric measurements in Beetal goats kids under accelerated and annual kidding systems

Months of birth of kids

Parameters


March-

April.2010

March-

April.2011

Mean Values March-

April.2010

October-

November 2010

June – July.

2011

Mean Values

Length at 3 months

(cm)

40.02b±0.90

(36.70-43.40)

45.53b±1.20

(45.53b±1.20)

42.18a ±0.81 37.65

a±1.59

(13.60-47.00)

45.79b±1.40

(41.10-49.10)

39.84b±0.85

(37.00-46.80)

39.90 a ±0.98

Length at 6 months

(cm)

45.56b±0.99

(42.00-50.20)

54.22a±0.99

(49.50-57.50)

48.95a ±1.05 42.95

b±1.47

(20.20-52.50)

54.25a±0.98

(51.10-56.60)

46.65b±1.07

(42.00-53.70)

46.28a ±1.08

Length at 9 months

(cm)

51.22b±0.99

(48.10-56.00)

60.69a±0.78

(55.20-63.20)

54.92a ±1.10 48.24

b±1.47

(25.70-57.80)

61.63a±0.99

(58.90-63.80)

52.45b±1.29

(47.50-60.40)

52.13a ±1.18

Girth at 3 months

(cm)

39.44b±0.50

(36.10-42.30)

45.98a±1.24

(40.60-51.20)

42.00 a ±0.88 38.81

b±0.70

(34.80-46.40)

45.40a±1.50

(39.90-50.00)

40.23b±0.97

(36.40-48.50)

40.53 a ±0.67

Girth at 6 months

(cm)

44.83b±0.55

(40.80-48.20)

51.48a±1.16

(45.40-55.70)

47.43a ±0.88 44.38

b±0.77

(40.10-53.20)

51.21a±1.44

(44.80-56.00)

46.03b±1.01

(41.60-54.00)

46.21a ±0.70

Girth at 9 months

(cm)

50.18b±0.59

(45.6-53.30)

57.53a±1.62

(51.9-63.10)

53.06a ±0.97

50.20b±0.79

(45.00-59.60)

56.82a±1.28

(50.40-60.50)

51.34b±0.96

(46.70-57.90)

51.83a ±0.68

Height at 3 months

(cm)

44.15ab

±0.78

(40.00-52.00)

46.12a±1.49

(42.20-54.80)

44.92a ±0.75 42.68

b±0.58

(38.40-47.50)

45.91a±1.70

(40.90-51.80)

43.66ab

±1.27

(38.80-50.00)

43.61a ±0.60

Height at 6 months

(cm)

51.20ab

±0.82

(45.00-56.00)

54.34a±1.29

(50.80-63.50)

52.43b ±0.77

49.09b±0.70

(42.80-55.00)

53.85a± 1.58

(48.90-59.20)

49.98b±1.18

(43.00-56.70)

50.27a ±0.64

Height at 9 months

(cm)

57.58bc

±0.66

(51.00-63.00)

60.95a±1.18

(57.50-69.00)

58.90b ±0.80

54.97c±0.68

(48.60-60.40)

60.41ab

±1.65

(55.10-65.50)

56.33c±1.10

(49.30-61.90)

56.45a ±0.65

Means having different superscripts in a row are statistically significant (P< 0.05)

Values in parentheses are range values

143

Annexture-III. Analysis of variance of length for Beetal goat kids at different

months of age

Source of Variation DF 3 Months 6 Months 9 Months

Mean Square

Crop 3 10.27NS

16.33NS

19.61NS

Dam Age 2 17.56NS

16.56NS

14.23NS

Dam Weight 2 0.48NS

9.71NS

19.97NS

Season 2 0.03NS

2.66NS

1.70NS

Sex 1 0.48NS

0.25NS

0.01NS

Type of birth 2 14.98NS

16.01NS

11.24NS

Interactions

Dam Weight × Dam Age 2 31.47NS

45.15NS

42.83NS

Season × Dam Age 1 0.012NS

3.824NS

5.09NS

Dam Age× Sex 1 0.95NS

0.13NS

0.09NS

Dam Age ×Type of birth 1 1.67NS

4.89NS

3.59NS

Crop × Dam Age 1 0.27NS

7.53NS

4.95NS

Season × Dam Weight 1 1.59NS

0.02NS

0.04NS

Dam Weight × Sex 2 2.60NS

8.81NS

6.66NS

Dam Weight× Type of birth 2 16.22NS

9.72NS

9.65NS

Crop × Dam Weight 3 17.75NS

22.88NS

24.76NS

Season × Sex 1 0.01NS

1.08NS

0.10NS

Crop × Season 1 1.14NS

0.45NS

4.13NS

Type of birth × Sex 2 0.56NS

7.55NS

5.40NS

Crop × Sex 2 16.51NS

8.98NS

4.28NS

Crop × Type of birth 2 2.34NS

0.19NS

9.12NS

ANNEXURE

144

Annexture-IV. Analysis of variance of heart girth at different months of age in

Beetal goat kids


Mean Square

Crop 3 6.45NS

8.62 NS

6.40 NS

Dam Age 2 2.54 NS

9.32 NS

17.64 NS

Dam Weight 2 2.53 NS

7.99 NS

6.48 NS

Season 2 7.83 NS

12.40 NS

6.92 NS

Sex 1 5.12 NS

11.25 NS

4.80 NS

Type of birth 2 4.88 NS

3.97 NS

2.58 NS

Interactions

Dam Weight × Dam Age 2 8.63 NS

16.10 NS

21.68*

Season × Dam Age 1 13.74 NS

16.18 NS

12.15 NS

Dam Age× Sex 1 18.34 NS

25.83 NS

13.37 NS


6.37 NS

11.00 NS

Crop × Dam Age 1 5.71 NS

5.27 NS

5.61 NS

Season × Dam Weight 1 0.19 NS

0.39 NS

0.01 NS

Dam Weight × Sex 2 4.11 NS

2.00 NS

3.85 NS

Dam Weight× Type of birth 2 23.44* 31.05

NS 29.98

NS

Crop × Dam Weight 3 2.63 NS

6.02 NS

9.51 NS

Season × Sex 1 8.33 NS

8.003 NS

8.33 NS

Crop × Season 1 0.73 NS

0.78 NS

0.41 NS

Type of birth × Sex 2 3.19 NS

3.56 NS

3.08 NS

Crop × Sex 2 15.81 NS

5.27 NS

9.20 NS

Crop × Type of birth 2 4.40 NS

5.74 NS

6.74 NS

ANNEXURE

145

Annexture-V. Analysis of variance of height at different months of age in Beetal

goat kids

Source of Variation DF 3 Months

6

Months

9

Months

Mean Square

Crop 3 11.01NS

5.197NS

9.512NS

Dam Age 2 18.03NS

10.176NS

16.561NS

Dam Weight 2 3.36 NS

4.740NS

6.917 NS

Season 2 4.32NS

8.396NS

7.540NS

Sex 1 0.10 NS

0.35NS

0.54NS

Type of birth 2 4.12NS

11.01NS

2.59NS

Interactions

Dam Weight × Dam Age 2 11.47NS

5.55NS

21.71NS

Season × Dam Age 1 5.52NS

0.30NS

0.03NS

Dam Age× Sex 1 0.24NS

0.26NS

1.13 NS


0.01NS

0.70NS

Crop × Dam Age 1 19.11NS

1.05NS

8.77NS

Season × Dam Weight 1 3.96NS

0.16NS

2.86NS

Dam Weight × Sex 2 1.50NS

3.95S 0.36

NS

Dam Weight× Type of birth 2 16.43NS

20.70NS

19.45NS

Crop × Dam Weight 3 7.97NS

5.14NS

15.67NS

Season × Sex 1 1.92NS

0.003NS

0.85NS

Crop × Season 1 0.003NS

1.51NS

1.45NS

Type of birth × Sex 2 28.26NS

7.49NS

12.46NS

Crop × Sex 2 16.54NS

15.20NS

12.92NS

Crop × Type of birth 2 6.92NS

0.56NS

1.74NS

ANNEXURE

146

Annexture- VI. Trends of attaining length at 3, 6 and 9 months of

age by accelerated vs annual kid crops

Annexture-VII. Trends of girth growth at 3, 6 and 9 months of age

by accelerated vs annual kid crops

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Length 3 Length 6 Length 9

Ce

nti

me

ters

accelerated

Annual

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Girth 3 Girth 6 Girth 9

Ce

nti

me

ters

accelerated

Annual

ANNEXURE

147

Annexture-VIII. Trends of attaining height at 3, 6 and 9 months

of age by accelerated vs annual kid crops

ANNEXURE

148

Annexture-IX Analysis of variance for birth weight and weight at different

months of age in Beetal goat kids

Source of Variation DF Birth Weight 3 Months 6 Months 9 Months

Mean Square

Crop 3 0.52* 0.13

NS 0.54

NS 0.07

NS

Dam Age 2 0.12 NS 0.71

NS 0.72

NS 0.61

NS

Dam Weight 2 0.63* 2.73

NS 0.73

NS 0.22

NS

Season 2 0.35 NS

0.47 NS

0.48 NS

0.36 NS

Sex 1 0.15NS

3.27 NS

1.55 NS

0.80 NS

Type of birth 2 0.83**

21.08 **

6.02* 2.89

NS

Interactions


1.85 NS

0.26 NS

0.58 NS


0.18 NS

0.07 NS

0.18 NS

Dam Age× Sex 1 0.003 NS

0.01 NS

0.14 NS

0.17 NS

Dam Age ×Type of birth 1 0.01 NS

0.12 NS

0.15 NS

0.13 NS


0.79 NS

0.53 NS

0.01 NS


4.56 NS

0.49 NS

0.34 NS


1.77 NS

0.79 NS

1.45 NS

Dam Weight× Type of birth 2 0.06 NS

6.85* 1.39

NS 1.02

NS

Crop × Dam Weight 3 0.37 NS

0.07 NS

0.66 NS

0.34 NS

Season × Sex 1 0.33 NS

0.40 NS

1.27 NS

0.85 NS


0.45 NS

0.003 NS

0.29 NS


0.88 NS

1.33 NS

0.02 NS


0.24 NS

0.52 NS

0.26 NS

Crop × Type of birth 2 0.79* 1.54

NS 2.18

NS 0.49

NS

ANNEXURE

149

Annexture-X. Analysis of variance for growth rate in Beetal goat kids at

different months of age


Mean Square

Crop 3 127.48 NS

49.31 NS

412.21**

Dam Age 2 160.04NS

66.70 NS

52.56 NS

Dam Weight 2 736.18**

237.79NS

87.31 NS

Season 2 9.28 NS

48.83 NS

20.37 NS

Sex 1 247.27 NS

42.40 NS

13.60 NS

Type of birth 2 1524.12**

736.39* 96.84

NS

Interactions


120.52 NS

14.71 NS


2.92 NS

63.67 NS

Dam Age× Sex 1 0.29 * 12.54

NS 0.07

*

Dam Age ×Type of birth 1 5.87 * 0.06

* 77.25

NS


3.67 NS

56.69 NS


251.43* 3.72

*


24.03 NS

24.69 NS

Dam Weight× Type of birth 2 783.75**

318.89* 4.68

*

Crop × Dam Weight 3 58.35 * 98.22

NS 40.70

NS

Season × Sex 1 0 NS

30.08 NS

5.34 *


44.64 NS

31.50 NS


8.51 NS

193.39 NS


14.64 NS

47.73 NS

Crop × Type of birth 2 93.50 NS

0.74 * 0.36

*

IN LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT - HEC

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