PHENOTYPIC CHARACTERIZATION AND OESTRUS SYNCHRONIZATION OF INDIGENOUS GOATS FOR IMPROVED REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY IN MIRAB-ABAYA AND ARBAMINCH-ZURIA DISTRICTS OF GAMO-GOFA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The present study was designed with the objectives of describing the goat production systems, morphological features and evaluate oestrus synchronization of indigenous goats in Arba-Minch-Zuria and Mirab-Abaya districts of Gamo-Gofa zone. A total of 120 HHs were interviewed for goat production survey while 615 goats (151 males and 464 females) were used for morphological measurements and 60 does for oestrus synchronization from the two districts. The results confirmed that goats ranked 2nd after cattle and were primarily produced for generating income and saving purposes in the study areas. The major mating system was uncontrolled (80.83%). Goat castration (65.83%) and culling (93.33%) were common goat breeding practices whereas kid weaning was not well practiced. Body size, pedigree and prolificacy were the magnificent selection criteria for breeding does whereas color incorporated for bucks. Communal browsing areas were the main goat feed sources in which January through March months were commonly known for the feed shortage. Male goats have higher off-take rate at early age (94.17%) to the market than females (82.50%). Feed shortage (30.37%) followed by labor limitation (23.33%) and land shortage (15.56%) were the major goat production challenges identified. In morphological measurements, the predominant coat color pattern was plain for male (63.82%) and (70.02%) for females. Brown coat color for males (32.24%) and (34.05%) for females was possessed predominantly. Horned goats were (86.84% for males and 94.55% for females), toggle (14.47% for males and 9.85% for females), bearded (53.29% for males and 22.06% for females. The prominent horn shape was straight (93.13% for males and 93.11% for females). About 61.83% of male and 78.95% of female goats were characterized by possessing obliquely upward horn orientation. Except Body length, males possessed higher values for Body weight, Rump lenght, Head width and Horn length than females (P<0.05). Goats in Arbaminch-Zuriya district possessed significantly (P<0.05) higher values on BW, BL, CG, RW, HeW and SC than in Mirab Abaya district. In males, positive and strong association were depicted between BW and BL (r=0.68), WH (r=0.62), CG (r=0.61) and HoL (r=0.63). In case of females, positive and moderate associations were observed between BW and CG (r=0.38), RW(r=0.37) and HeL (r=0.31). CG was a single importance variable in the prediction of body weight in females where as BL in males (P<0.05). Regarding to the oestrus synchronization, about 85% of the does expressed oestrus within 55.68±19.92 hours after hormone administration where as the overall conception rate was 81.67%. Doe body weight, body condition, parity and age have significantly affected (P<0.05) oestrous response and conception rate where as location has not significantly (P>0.05) affected. Morphological traits’ variations suggest that this goat ecotype has not yet been selected through structured selective breeding. While conducting oestrus synchronization on goat, considering body weight, BCS, parity and age factors was better to reflect higher conception rate.