Prediction of birth weight using body measurements of local caprine population kids raised in a low-input breeding mode under arid environment

The aim of this study is to establish linear measurements of local goat kids at birth and their factors of variation, as well as their possible correlations with birth weight. Additionally, the study analyses statistical models and barymetric functions to predict birth weight of kids based on their morphometric data. The database includes data on 128 goat kids born to 89 goats and 9 bucks in the experimental goat herd at the El GORDHAB station of IRA. Average BW, withers height (L1), heart girth (L2), rump height (L3), and body length (L4) of all kids were 2.45kg, 32.66cm,30.56cm, 33.41cm, and 31.21cm respectively. Results show that in general, local goat kids are small in size and weight at birth, which varies depending on sex, dam age, and type of birth. Highest and positive correlation coefficient value between birth weight and heart girth were observed (r = 0.95). The coefficient of determination (R2) for heart girth (0.78) was higher than other body measurements in single trait evaluation indicating it as the best trait for the predication of birth weight. The most appropriate combination of body measurements (R2 = 0.82) was observed between height at withers and heart girth for predication of birth weight estimation. Developing a system for recording birth weight based on easily obtainable body measurements could be a useful approach for rural areas. Result join the study objective by conceiving feasible genetic improvement plans for agropastoral herds by establishing individual phenotypes estimation even when the classical animal management does not already allowed.