Genetic Parameters Estimation of Growth and Litter Traits of Crossbred Goats in Surkhet District of Karnali Province, Nepal

Abstract

Genetic parameters of litter traits of kids are important for increased production and productivity of goats. The main aim of the study was to determine production performance and to estimate genetic parameters for growth traits of indigenous and Boer crossbred kids of goats in field conditions. Result indicated that the heritability estimates of litter weight at different ages ranges from 0.42 ± 0.05 (at birth) to 0.73 ± 0.14 (at twelve months). Similarly, phenotypic association among litter weight and size at birth and weaning were high whereas genetic correlations among the traits were higher than the phenotypic correlation. Moderate to high heritability suggested that the genetic variance is higher relative to phenotypic variance and thus high potentiality for estimating growth of kids through intense selection. Similarly, strong positive genetic and phenotypic association between the litter weight and size at birth and weaning indicated that these traits could be the most important and effective selection criteria for achieving higher growth at later stage of life