A comparative study on the growth rate and survivability of three goat breeds from Jordan

Abstract

One-day old goat kids were separately allocated to three treatment groups; Baladi (n = 56), Shami (n = 47) and Hybrid (n = 25). The LBW and BWG (kg/kid) of the kids were recorded at weekly intervals, and the survivability was calculated at the end of the trial. The results indicated that mean weekly Live body weight (LBW) shows a significant increase (P < 0.05) for both males and females of the three goat breeds tested. The final LBW (12-week-age) of both sexes of Shami goats was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than Baladi and Hybrid. Male goats (15.45 ± 3.65, 17.71 ± 5.23 and 15.96 ± 4.99 kg/kid) had significantly (P < 0.05) higher LBW than their female counterparts (12.52 ± 3.41, 14.92 ± 5.10 and 11.01 ± 2.64 kg/kid) in Baladi, Shami and Hybrid, respectively. Total BWG of Shami goat males and females was higher than Baladi and Hybrid breeds. The total survivability was higher in Baladi (94.64%) than in Shami (91.49%) and Hybrid (80.00%). In conclusion, the present findings indicated that production performances of goats were considerably affecting by their breed and sex, and Shami breed had supported comparatively better growth responses. Therefore, Shami goat breed might be recommended for more economic and profitable for rearing under good farming management in Jordan.