Phenotype, Husbandry and Performance of the Taggar Goats in Eldaleng Area, South Kordufan ٍ ◌State, Sudan

Abstract

Tagger goats are a promising meat breed, with excellent
conformation and meat quality, in Nuba Mountains, where it is raised
under extensive farming conditions. The objectives of this study were to
study the phenotypic characteristics, husbandry and reproductive and
lactation performance of this genotype in Eldaleng area. Mean body
weight was 22.5 kg. Mean body measurements (cm) were 58.75, 65.9,
78.4 and 38.55 for height at withers, heart girth, barrel circumference and
back length, respectively. Body weight and measurements were generally
significantly (P ≤0.001) higher in males than in females and significantly
(P ≤0.001) increased with age. Phenotypic correlations between body
weight and measurements were generally high, and different regression
equations accurately predicted body weight with no significant
differences at all ages. Animal colours varied greatly. Most animals were
kept in all goat ages. Flock size was 21.1 and females dominated flocks
and their longevity was higher than males. The animals depended on
natural pastures and grazed on village outskirts. They kidded all the year
round with peaks in April and October. They were weaned at 4.1 months
old and most of the males were castrated. Puberty, age at first service and
age at first kidding were 7.15, 8.4 and 13.1 months, respectively. Kidding
rate was 87%, twining rate was 52.8% and kidding interval was 245.4
days. Mean birth weight was 1.35 kg. Mortality rate was 26.5% in kids
and 10.1% in adults. Milk yield was 0.64 kg/day in 156 days.