Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine the potential effect of non-genetic factors on certain production characteristics of Hair goats raised under semi-intensive management and dry- sub humid conditions, and to investigate phenotypic correlations between these traits. A generalized linear model was used to investigate the effect of non-genetic factors on gestation length (GL), number of services per conception (NSPC), lactation length (LL), lactation milk yield (LMY) and daily milk yield (DMY), while the Chi-square method was used to evaluate other fertility parameters. The pregnancy rate, birth rate and single-birth rate in the Traditional Group were higher, while the infertility rate and NSPC were lower, than those in the Artificial Group (P<0.001). Furthermore, it was determined that LL, LMY and DMY increased (P<0.001), the NSPC decreased (P<0.001), and birth and twinning rates fluctuated (P<0.01) as age increased. The best fertility and milk yield characteristics were in the ≥5 year-old-goats and live weights of 45.0-49.9 kg. In addition, it was determined that kid yield was increased in the goats synchronized with intravaginal sponges impregnated with fluorogestone acetate and in those bred via the traditional method.

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