Performance Evaluation of Barbari Goats in Semi-Arid Region of India: A Review

Abstract

Barbari goat, a medium sized dual purpose goat breed in India, is known for its good lactation performance, high prolificacy, early maturity, low kidding interval, high kidding rate and better growth rate. The average weights of kids at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 month of age were 1.66±0.47, 5.88±0.41, 9.36±0.17, 12.85±0.25 and 16.08±0.35 kg, respectively. The average pre-weaning (0–3 months) daily weight gain was 59.9 g while post weaning (3–12 months) gain was 43.4 g. The feed conversion efficiency of this breed was 8.27±0.40% and is reported to vary from 6 to 10%. The average lactation milk yield at 90 and 140 days of lactation was 49.59±3.71 and 67.56±7.60 l, respectively with an average lactation length of 143.19 days. Regarding reproductive performance, the age of first mating and first kidding for this breed is reported as 12–14 and 17–19 months, respectively. The single, twin and triplet kidding varied from 50.6 to 59.0%, 32.3 to 39.8% and 5.59 to 10.67%, respectively. The average slaughter weight (kg), carcass weight (kg) and dressing (%) of adult animal of this breed was 25.57±1.73, 11.54±0.85 and 45.11±1.61 respectively. As the population of the breed in its home tract is declining over the years, so, there is a need for conservation of this breed. The central institute for research on goats (CIRG), Makhdoom, Uttar Pradesh, India has initiated to conserve this breed in its home tract.

Keywords: Barbari goat, growth performance, milk yield, carcass evaluation, India

Cite this Article

Ajoy Mandal, Behera R, Rai S et al. Performance Evaluation of Barbari Goats in Semi-Arid Region of India: A Review. Research & Reviews: Journal of Dairy Science and Technology. 2016; 5(2): 25–29p.