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Impact of Wattle on Reproduction, Hematology, and Growth Parameters in Red Sokoto (Maradi) Goats
Abstract:
This study investigates the influence of wattle in Red Sokoto (Maradi) goats on reproduction, haematology, and growth parameters. The research was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Animal Production, Federal University of Technology, Minna. A total of forty (40) Red Sokoto goats, comprising thirty-two (32) does and eight (8) bucks, were managed semi-intensively for the study. The research comprised seven experiments conducted over the study period.
Experiment one focused on the relationship between wattle and body weight, as well as various morphometric parameters in Red Sokoto goats. Parameters examined included body weight, body length, head length, head width, height-at-withers, chest depth, chest girth, shoulder point width, rump length, rump width, and shin circumference of both does and bucks.
Experiment two aimed to describe the relationship between wattle and reproductive traits in Red Sokoto does. Parameters examined included gestation gain, gestation length, body weight of kid(s) at birth, kidding loss, rectal temperature, progesterone and estrogen profile of the does.
Experiment three evaluated the relationship between wattle and some dairy characteristics of Red Sokoto does, including udder circumference, distance between teats, change in udder circumference, change in distance between teats, teat length after milking, and milk quantity and quality analysis.
Experiment four assessed the effect of wattle on growth-related traits of growing Red Sokoto kids up until weaning, using parameters similar to those examined in experiment one.
Experiment five determined the relationship between wattle and weaning traits of Red Sokoto kids, including the number of kids at weaning, body weight of kids at weaning, weaning sex ratio, and survival rate at weaning.
Experiment six investigated the relationship between wattle and haematological characteristics of Red Sokoto goats.
Experiment seven aimed to determine the relationship between wattle and body weight, scrotal size, scrotal circumference, and sperm cell concentration of Red Sokoto bucks.
Data collected were analyzed using the SAS statistical package. The results revealed that wattle had a significant effect on various parameters examined in the study. For instance, it influenced the body weight of does after birth, reproductive performance, milk and udder parameters, and the average body weight and morphometric parameters of Red Sokoto kids.
In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of attention to crosses between wattled and non-wattled Red Sokoto goats, as it yielded positive results in various parameters, especially for the kids. Furthermore, efforts to preserve the wattle gene are crucial to prevent the extinction of goats carrying this gene.
Impact of Wattle on Reproduction, Hematology, and Growth Parameters in Red Sokoto (Maradi) Goats
