Relationship between parity, dam weight and litter size in West African Dwarf Goats

ABSTRACT

Goats constitute the largest group of small ruminant livestock in Nigeria, totaling about 73.8 million and also constituting 6.2 percent of the World’s goat population. The West African Dwarf goat (WAD) has the ability to thrive and survive under harsh environmental conditions of heat and humidity and it is widely distributed in the rainforest belt of southern Nigeria. They are short-legged and small-bodied animals, weighing between 20 and 36 kg, they are known to have very high rate of fertility and fecundity, their meats. The profitability of goat farming is greatly affected by litter size, which determines the number of animals available for utilization (feed, fur and manure). Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationship between parity, dam weight and litter size in WAD goats in West Africa. A total of Nineteen (19) apparently healthy West African Dwarf (WAD) Does in their 2^nd to 4^th parities were used for the study. The animals were weighed 3 times prior to parturition and immediately after birth. The respective weights were recorded in kg. Farm records were also checked for the parity of the animals. Prior to commencement of the experiment, appropriate vaccination against diseases were done. All experimental animals were managed intensively in well-ventilated housing with roof made of corrugated iron sheet and floor being raised about 45cm above ground level. Data collected during this were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS (2003) statistical package. Results showed that there is a prolificacy rate of 142.1% & Average kid born per doe to be 1.42, this means that WAD does are highly prolific. However, litter size was significantly and positively correlated with parity.(p < 0.01, r = 0.60). The results further revealed that parity is an important factor in the evaluation of litter size in goats and multiple births could be achieved with good breeding plan and better management practices. Therefore this study concludes that WAD goats with high body weight and high parity should be selected for breeding purpose.

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