A Note on the Reproductive Performance of Tagger Goat in the Gezira, Sudan

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of improved
management and nutrition on the reproductive performance of a flock of Tagger goats
from Eldaleng area, the Nuba Mountains. It was conducted at Wad Medani , Sudan, from
June 2006 to July 2008. The goats were mainly grazed on farm and well managed.
Individual records were kept for each animal, and the data were statistically analysed for
reproductive characteristics. Kidding percentage was 100% in the two years and was
mainly in summer. Sex ratio (males to females) was 57.14: 42.86 in the first year and
54.05: 45.95 in the second year. Twinning rate increased from 17.39% in the first year to
48.0% in the second year, and number of kids born /doe increased from 1.17 in the first
year to 1.48 in the second year. Mean age at first kidding was 365.67 days (285- 438)
and mean kidding interval was 258.85 days (169- 380). The overall birth weight was
1.73, 1.69 and 1.70 kg for the first, second and third parities, respectively. Seasons had
no significant effects on overall birth weight, and it was highest in summer (1.74)
followed by autumn (1.71) and then winter (1.63).There were differences between years
in birth weight and was generally higher in the first year. Singles were heavier at birth
than twins. Birth weight had a significant correlation with doe weight at kidding. Doe
age had significant correlations with doe body condition score and doe weight at
kidding. The results showed that Tagger reproductive performance was improved in the
Gezira area, especially in the second year, than in Eldaleng area.