Scrotal circumference as a Parameter for Breeding age in the West African Dwarf goat bucks.
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Date
2015
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Turkish Science and Technology
Abstract
This study evaluated the correlation between scrotal circumference (SC), body weight
(BW) and body condition score (BCS) in relation to breeding age in West African Dwarf
(WAD) bucks. A total of 320 WAD bucks from birth to 15 months of age from various
farms in Ibadan, Nigeria, were studied. They were grouped as A-birth to 3, B-4 to 7, C-8
to 11 and D-12 to 15 months old respectively, comprising of 80 bucks per group. Semen
was collected from 10 randomly selected bucks in each group and analysed. Results
showed positive correlation between SC and age; SC increased with age; and at about 8
months of age and over, a consistent SC of 17 cm–18 cm was observed. BW also
increased with age; BW significantly affected SC. Also, at 8 months of age and over, SC
of 17 cm-18 cm was observed from 9 kg BW and above. However, the correlation
between SC and BCS was low and not significant. Semen analysis revealed the best
semen quality for groups C and D bucks. In conclusion, we suggest that WAD bucks of 8
months and above, with at least SC between 17 cm–18 cm and of over 9 kg BW, could be
used to breed does successfully on the farm.
Description
Age
Body weight
Breeding
Scrotal circumference
West African Dwarf Buck
Keywords
Citation
Raji and Ajala / Turkish Journal of Agriculture - Food Science and Technology, 3(8): 668-671, 2015