Abstract
There is a change in morphological as well production traits of breeds over the time. Moreover, some breeds are yet not properly documented in Punjab province. Therefore, we need to update our understanding and knowledge. Therefore, the objective of study was to investigate the breeds for differences in term of morphology and body weight. The study area was a home tract district of breeds. Data were collected for seven goat breeds of Punjab viz. Dera Din Panah (DDP), Nachi, Barbari, Teddi, Beetal, Pahari and Potohari. Height, heart girth, chest length, pubic bone, length and live body weight were taken to observe the effect of age, sex and breed. Data were arranged according to age, sex and breed. SAS Mixed Proc. method was used to investigate the effect of age, sex and breed on different body measurements and weight for all goat breeds. Age and sex had significant effect on body measurements (P < 0.05) except sex had non-significant effect on pubic bone length. Maximum adult weight was observed in Beetal 37.04 ± 0.63 kg followed by Nachi 36.18 ± 1.07 kg, DDP 35.36 ± 1.62kg, Barbari 34.33 ± 1.46 kg, Pothohari 32.94 ± 1.31 kg, Teddi 22.69 ± 0.76 kg and Pahari 20.63 ± 1.74kg. Beetal had maximum body measurements among all breeds. Pubic bone length was highest in Pothohari (10.09 ± 0.22 cm). Maximum ear length was observed in DDP (37.17 ± 3.22 cm). There was significant effect of age class on body weight and body measurements. All body parameters were positively correlated with age and sex. The data indicated the variations in body measurements across age, sex and breeds groups of Punjab goat breeds. This is useful information for ranking breeds in term of size and weight to devise breeding program for goat meat production.
Keywords: Punjab, Goat, Morphometric, Weight