Authors : M.O. Otuma and I.I. Osakwe
Abstract: Data on 1010 Nigeria sahelian goat kids accumulated for nine years in the Small Ruminant and Multiplication Research Unit, Department of Animal Production, Ebonyi State University , Nigeria, were analyzed for the estimation of genetic parameters of growth traits. The heritability, phenotypic and genotypic, correlations were evaluated for birth, 3, 12 and 18 months live weights. The year of rearing, sex and parity had significant effects except birth type (p<0.05) in all the different periods of growth from birth until 18 months of age except birth type which was neutralized at 18 months of age. Sex effects continued at 18 months with males displaying superiority (p<0. 05) over the females. Live weights traits had high heritability and the correlation was positive and high. This study further suggests that selection can be adopted as a technique for improving weaning, yearling and maturity weight by selection for heavier kids from weaning age.
M.O. Otuma and I.I. Osakwe , 2008. Estimation of Genetic Parameters of Growth Traits in Nigeria Sahelian Goats. Research Journal of Animal Sciences, 2: 83-86.