Some fertility, growth and behavioral traits of Saanen goats raised on private farm condition

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance, survival and some body measurements in 19 Saanen kids and behavioral traits in 20 does on private farm conditions in Black Sea Region. Least square procedure was performed to determine the effect of gender and birth type on growth performance and body measurements such as body length, chest depth, height at withers, and shank circumference. Behavioral traits were evaluated by using chisquare methodology. A statistically insignificant difference was found between male and female kids with respect to birth weights, live weights at several periods and weaning weights (P>0.05). Additionally, body weight values measured in different periods of single-and twin-born kids were close to each other (P>0.05). The effect of gender and birth type on body measurements such as body length, chest depth, height at withers, and shank circumference were also found insignificant (P<0.05). Survival rate of 75 day old Saanen kids at weaning period was 95.2%. Rates for birth, litter size and twin rates were determined as 95%, 1.53; 53%, respectively. During the study where behavioral characteristics of Saanen goats have been evaluated it was determined that goats were spending most of their times for feeding (P<0.05). As a result, the growth performance and some body measurements of Saanen goats raised in the province of Samsun, Black Sea Region, were close to each other in male and female kids, and in twin and single born kids. Time spent for feeding was the most observed behaviour among the investigated behaviors in the breeding herd.