EC Veterinary Science

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive and productive performance of two goat breeds reared at the Experimental Animal Production Station in Shahaniya, Qatar. A total of 537 records were obtained from 365 Shami and 172 Aridhi between 2020 and 2023. The body weight (kg/kid) of the kids was monitored from birth (D0) until day 90 (D90), and the body weight gain (BWG, g/kid) was then estimated. The findings revealed that there were no significant differences among goat breeds in most reproductive parameters, except for prolificacy, twining, and single birth rates. Prolificacy and twinning rates were higher (P < 0.05) in Aridhi than in Shami. While Shami goat had a higher (P < 0.05) rate of single birth compared to Aridhi. The type of birth was affected (P < 0.05) by goat breeds, seasons, and their interactions, but no significant variation was observed regarding the birth sex (male: female ratio).

The body weight did not differ (P > 0.05) between goat breeds throughout the trial period (D0, D7, D15, D30, D60, and D90), however it varied (P < 0.05) between male and female goat kids, with male kids were heavier (P < 0.05) than females. Furthermore, the season of kidding and litter size had significant impacts on the birth weight of kids (BW). However, there was no significant effect (P > 0.05) of breed, season, their interactions, and litter size on weaning weight (WW), except for the effect of sex (P < 0.0001). Therefore, the results of this study could contribute to the enhancement of precise selection and optimal breeding strategies for maximizing profitability.

 Keywords: Reproductive Performance; Productive Parameters; Goats; Breed; Qatar

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