# Performance of Locally Adopted Goats in Sundarbazar Municipality of Lamjung District, Nepal

Authors: Dipendra Rana; Samyog Paudel; Gopal Chaudhary; Abiskar Pokhrel; Santosh Bhandari; Surya Prasad Sharma
Journal: Complexity
 (2022)

---

## Abstract

Goat (Capra hircus) is a small ruminant with hollow horn that is found throughout the world. A survey (N = 60) was carried out to evaluate the performance of locally adopted goats under farmers’ management practices in Sundarbazar municipality of Lamjung district between February and August, 2017. The study focused on two breeds, Khari and Jamunaparias well as their crossbred. Individual goats’ primary data, collected using a convenient sampling technique and pretested questionnaires with open and close ended questions, were analyzed using SPSS 20 and MS Excel 2010. Results revealed significant effects of a Doe’s breed on age at first estrus (p<0.001), age at first kidding (p<0.001), gestation length (p<0.001), postpartum estrus (p<0.001), and kidding interval (p<0.05). Age at first estrus and age at first kidding were lowest (252.3 days and 403.9 days, respectively) for Khari. Highly significant lowest kidding interval (214.7 days) and significantly shortest gestation length (148.2 days) were found for Khari. No significant effect of parity was observed on age at first estrus, age at first kidding, kidding interval, and postpartum estrus, but a significant effect (p<0.05) was observed on gestation length with lowest values in 4th to 6th parity (149.5 days). Doe’s breed showed a significant effect on litter size at birth (p<0.05). However, no significant effect of the breed was found on litter birth weight and litter size at weaning (p<0.05). The results demonstrated Khari as the desirable breed for the locality.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

Goat (Capra hircus) is a hollow-horned small ruminant distributed widely throughout the world and dominating the livestock population in Nepal. The country has 12.81 million goats yielding 75 thousand metric tons of goat meat (Chevon) annually which comprises 13.58% of the total meat production in the country [1]. The goat is a multipurpose livestock species that provide meat, milk, manure, fiber, and power for the transportation [2]. In Nepal, there are four indigenous goat breeds, namely Terai, Khari, Sinhal, and Chyangra, and exotic goat breeds such as Jamunapari, Barbari, Beetal, and their crossbreeds.Khari (Capra hircus) goats are the principal goat breed of Nepal and are found across the hills and inner valleys in the country representing 56% of the total goat population. They are well-known for their prolificacy, twinning ability, adaptability in harsh climate, and carcass quality. Within the local hill goat population, there exists a wider genetic variability [3]. Though Khari is a nonseasonal breeder, the majority of does are served from September to October and April to May [4]. Jamunapari is the biggest and majestic exotic breed that has been extensively utilized in upgrading indigenous breeds. It is a dual purpose breed with a well-built body [5].Lamjung is a midhill district with a great scope of goat rearing having 1,16,455 goats producing 1,072 Mt of meat [6]. Khari is the main indigenous goat breed here. Goats are generally raised under the conventional housing system and semi-intensive system. Despite of the large involvement in the livestock sector and the climatic suitability, the performances of goat and production of meat in Sundarbazar municipality are not sufficient to meet the increasing demand. This symbolizes that there is something faulty paralyzing our production system. The lack of adequate nutrition associated with poor management practices is the chief cause of poor growth, low production, high incidence of diseases, and heavy losses among goat population. On the other hand, negligence on breeding and prevalence of diseases, parasites and predators are hindering the production.Thus, this study aims to gain a better understanding of the goat production system by observing the performance of locally adopted goats raised in various systems. This will also aid in the improvement of management practices, policy formulation, and establishment of goat rearing as a viable source of cash income, thereby contributing towards import substitution. Additionally, it will aid in comprehending the potential of the available breeds.


## 2. Materials and Methods

The study was conducted in Sundarbazar municipality of Lamjung district which lies at 28.13°N 84.42°E from February to August, 2017. The total number of respondents was 60 who were representatives of the area under study. Households were selected randomly. Priority was given to those farmers raising goats with efficient management practices and on a commercial scale. The study was conducted by using Survey Research Design. The pretested questionnaire with open and close ended questions was used for surveying. Purposive convenient sampling technique was followed. Primary data were collected by directly visiting individual household and observing their goat farms. The data of individual goat were collected by interviewing randomly selected farmers using pretested questionnaires, and the interview time was fixed as per their convenience. The questionnaire contained the following sections: farmer’s identity, individual goat identity, reproductive performance, litter traits, and nutritional and managerial systems. The software such as SPSS 20 (version 20) and Microsoft Excel 2010 were used in the analysis of collected data after coding them relevantly in order to quantify qualitative information and conditions.


## 3. Results and Discussions

The three breeds namely Khari, Jamunapari, and crossbred of Jamunapari and Khari were studied on the locality for their productive and reproductive performances.


### 3.1. Reproductive Performances

#### 3.1.1. Age at First Estrus

Age at first estrus was found significant with Doe’s breed (p<0.001).The average age at the first estrus of Khari was lowest (252.3 days) and highest in Jamunapari with the value of 337.5 days (Table1). Central Goat Development Farm, Bandipur reported age at puberty as 180–210 days in Khari, which was quite early than our findings [7]. Parajuli et al. found earlier sexual maturity of 253 ± 4.97 to 257.3 ± 4.74 days in summer and winter born Khari kids [8]. The average age at first estrus similar to our study (354.8 ± 17.1 and 335 ± 25.77 days, respectively) was found by Hassan et al. and Bhowmik et al. [9, 10].Table 1
Least square means and standard errors of age at first estrus (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60296.5±3.11Doe’s breed0.000Khari20252.3a± 5.81Jamunapari20337.5c± 5.20Khari × Jamunapari20300.7b± 4.66Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


#### 3.1.2. Age at First Kidding

Doe’s breed showed a very highly significant effect on age at first kidding. The lowest age at first kidding was observed in Khari (403.9 days), while the highest age at first kidding was observed in Jamunapari (457 days) (Table2). The age at first kidding of Khari was found higher than the results obtained by Sapkota (356 days) during their comparative study of goat performance, and lower than the result of Pandey during their study on the performance of Khari and their cross on hills of Nepal (611.3 ± 10.79), but it was in accordance with Kolachhapati (407.7 ± 34.36 days) [11–13]. The results on Jamunapari and crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari were lower than those obtained by Hassan et al. (534 ± 24.58 days) and Bhattarai et al. (577 days), respectively [14, 15].Table 2
Least square means and standard errors of age at first kidding (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60457.5± 3.14Doe’s breed0.000Khari20403.9a± 5.87Jamunapari20511.4c± 5.26Khari × Jamunapari20457b± 4.71Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


#### 3.1.3. Gestation Length

Significant effect of Doe’s breed and parity was found on gestation length of goats. Khari, Khari × Jamunapari, and Jamunapari had gestation lengths of 148.2, 150.5, and 152.4 days, respectively (Table3).Table 3
Least square means and standard errors of gestation length (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60150.4± 0.16Doe’s breed0.000Khari20148.2a± 0.29Jamunapari20152.4c± 0.26Khari × Jamunapari20150.5b± 0.23Parity0.019Parity 1–325150.1a± 0.21Parity 4–617149.5a± 0.25Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above144150.9b± 0.32151.2b± 0.51Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.Pandey and Sapkota reported gestation lengths of 149 and 150, respectively, for Khari which was similar to the present study [11, 12]. Neopane presented shorter gestation length of Khari (145 ± 0.18 days) [16]. Das and Yadav reported a lower gestation length of 150 ± 1 days for Jamunapari, but Hassan et al. reported results similar to our study i.e., 152.8 ± 17.5 days [9, 17]. A lower gestation length of 149.533 days was observed on 4th to 6th parity which was at par with 1st to 3rd parity (150.1 days) (Table 3). Joshi et al. reported a shorter gestation length with increase in parity due to full maturity and efficient function of the uterus, which was found convincing upto sixth parity in our study, and later on, it was found increasing, that might be due to the degeneration of reproductive tissues with ageing [18].


#### 3.1.4. Kidding Interval

Breed of Doe showed a significant effect on kidding interval which was found lowest (214.7 days) for Khari. The kidding interval for Jamunapari and crossbreds of Khari and Jamunapari was 228.9 and 225 days, respectively which did not differ (P>0.05) from each other (Table 4).Table 4
Least square means and standard errors of kidding interval (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60222.7± 1.89Doe’s breed0.028Khari20214.7a± 3.53Jamunapari20228.9b± 3.17Khari × Jamunapari20225b± 2.84Parity0.370Parity 1–325220.9± 2.54Parity 4–617218.9± 3.06Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above144222.3± 3.88231.5± 6.22Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.The literature comprising these three genetic groups was not available; however, the result regarding kidding interval has been corroborated with other workers, and it was found that the result for Khari was in agreement with Paudel (221 days) while that of Jamunapari was similar to the finding of Rout et al. (229 ± 26.7 days) and Bhowmik et al. (2014) (224 ± 14.42 days) [10, 19, 20]. The present result for Jamunapari was higher than that reported by Hassan et al. (210.5 ± 29.4 days) and lower than Rout et al. (335 ± 6 days) [5, 9]. The kidding interval of crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari was 319 days as per Bhattarai et al. which was quite higher than our findings [15]. Lower kidding interval in Khari was due to their early postpartum estrus (Table 5).Table 5
Least square means and standard errors of age at first kidding (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall6073.7± 2.03Doe’s breed0.000Khari2055.9a± 3.80Jamunapari2091.5c± 3.40Khari × Jamunapari2073.5b± 3.05Parity0.518Parity 1–32570.1± 2.74Parity 4–61770.8± 3.28Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above14475.7± 4.1780.2± 6.69Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.Though parity seemed to be nonsignificant in kidding interval, the lowest value of kidding interval was seen on 4th to 6th parity (218.9 days) followed by 1st to 3rd parity (220.9 days) (Table 4). Sharma et al. also found lower values of kidding interval for midparities. This is due to the incomplete attainment of reproductive maturity in early parity and degeneration of reproductive organs at late parities [21].


#### 3.1.5. Postpartum Estrus

The results showed a significant effect of breed on postpartum estrus. The overall postpartum estrus in the studied population was 73.7 ± 2.03 days. In the study, the lowest postpartum estrus was found in Khari (55.9 ± 3.80 days) followed by crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari (73.5 ± 3.05 days) (Table5). Parajuli reported quite similar value (50.4 ± 0.84) of postpartum estrus interval of the dams in Nawalparasi district [22]. FAO and Rout et al. reported a higher service period of 101.4 ± 13.03 and 187 ± 8.1 days, respectively, for Jamunapari [5, 23]. According to Parajuli et al. [8], the days of postpartum estrus interval were increased from first parity (48.9 days) up to seventh parity (52.8 ± 0.86 days), as in our study though the values were a bit different.


### 3.2. Litter Traits

#### 3.2.1. Litter Size

Litter size at birth for breeds was found to be significantly different (p<0.05) with highest value for Khari (2.4) followed by crossbred of Jamunapari and Khari (2.1) and Jamunapari (1.7) (Figure 1). Hassan et al. found the litter size at birth of Jamunapari to be 1.8 which was coinciding with our results [9]. Sapkota reported litter size at birth of Khari (1.6 ± 0.06) lower than that of our study [11]. The number of kids per kidding could be increased up to 2.05 with a minimum provision of health care and nutrition [13].Figure 1
Litter size at birth and weaning.Litter size at weaning was 1.9, 1.6, and 1.7, respectively, for Khari, Jamunapari, and their crossbreds, respectively (Figure1). Higher litter size at birth for Khari was due to its genetic potential for prolificacy, which eventually led to its higher litter size at weaning.


#### 3.2.2. Litter Birth Weight

A nonsignificant effect of Doe's breed was observed on litter weight at birth. Khari, Jamunapari, and their crossbreds had litter birth weights of 4.28, 4.35, and 4.3 kg, respectively (Table6). The tentative individual kid’s birth weight for each genetic group was found to be 1.8, 2.5, and 2.1 kg, respectively. This result for Jamunapari was slightly lower than that observed by Rout et al. (2.7 ± 0.03 kg) [5]. The present result for Khari was in accordance with Neopane, 1997 (1.7 ± 0.02 kg). Bhattarai et al. observed litter birth weight of 2.3 ± 0.65 for the crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari [15]. Also, Bhattarai et al. reported that litter birth weight was high for the does having triplets (5.5 kg) as compared to those having single and twin kids [24, 25].Table 6
Least square means and standard errors of litter birth weight (kg).
FactorsNo. ofobservationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall604.3± 0.19Doe’s breed0.52Khari204.28a± 0.35Jamunapari204.35a± 0.31Khari × Jamunapari204.30a± 0.28Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


## 3.1. Reproductive Performances

### 3.1.1. Age at First Estrus

Age at first estrus was found significant with Doe’s breed (p<0.001).The average age at the first estrus of Khari was lowest (252.3 days) and highest in Jamunapari with the value of 337.5 days (Table1). Central Goat Development Farm, Bandipur reported age at puberty as 180–210 days in Khari, which was quite early than our findings [7]. Parajuli et al. found earlier sexual maturity of 253 ± 4.97 to 257.3 ± 4.74 days in summer and winter born Khari kids [8]. The average age at first estrus similar to our study (354.8 ± 17.1 and 335 ± 25.77 days, respectively) was found by Hassan et al. and Bhowmik et al. [9, 10].Table 1
Least square means and standard errors of age at first estrus (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60296.5±3.11Doe’s breed0.000Khari20252.3a± 5.81Jamunapari20337.5c± 5.20Khari × Jamunapari20300.7b± 4.66Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


### 3.1.2. Age at First Kidding

Doe’s breed showed a very highly significant effect on age at first kidding. The lowest age at first kidding was observed in Khari (403.9 days), while the highest age at first kidding was observed in Jamunapari (457 days) (Table2). The age at first kidding of Khari was found higher than the results obtained by Sapkota (356 days) during their comparative study of goat performance, and lower than the result of Pandey during their study on the performance of Khari and their cross on hills of Nepal (611.3 ± 10.79), but it was in accordance with Kolachhapati (407.7 ± 34.36 days) [11–13]. The results on Jamunapari and crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari were lower than those obtained by Hassan et al. (534 ± 24.58 days) and Bhattarai et al. (577 days), respectively [14, 15].Table 2
Least square means and standard errors of age at first kidding (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60457.5± 3.14Doe’s breed0.000Khari20403.9a± 5.87Jamunapari20511.4c± 5.26Khari × Jamunapari20457b± 4.71Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


### 3.1.3. Gestation Length

Significant effect of Doe’s breed and parity was found on gestation length of goats. Khari, Khari × Jamunapari, and Jamunapari had gestation lengths of 148.2, 150.5, and 152.4 days, respectively (Table3).Table 3
Least square means and standard errors of gestation length (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60150.4± 0.16Doe’s breed0.000Khari20148.2a± 0.29Jamunapari20152.4c± 0.26Khari × Jamunapari20150.5b± 0.23Parity0.019Parity 1–325150.1a± 0.21Parity 4–617149.5a± 0.25Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above144150.9b± 0.32151.2b± 0.51Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.Pandey and Sapkota reported gestation lengths of 149 and 150, respectively, for Khari which was similar to the present study [11, 12]. Neopane presented shorter gestation length of Khari (145 ± 0.18 days) [16]. Das and Yadav reported a lower gestation length of 150 ± 1 days for Jamunapari, but Hassan et al. reported results similar to our study i.e., 152.8 ± 17.5 days [9, 17]. A lower gestation length of 149.533 days was observed on 4th to 6th parity which was at par with 1st to 3rd parity (150.1 days) (Table 3). Joshi et al. reported a shorter gestation length with increase in parity due to full maturity and efficient function of the uterus, which was found convincing upto sixth parity in our study, and later on, it was found increasing, that might be due to the degeneration of reproductive tissues with ageing [18].


### 3.1.4. Kidding Interval

Breed of Doe showed a significant effect on kidding interval which was found lowest (214.7 days) for Khari. The kidding interval for Jamunapari and crossbreds of Khari and Jamunapari was 228.9 and 225 days, respectively which did not differ (P>0.05) from each other (Table 4).Table 4
Least square means and standard errors of kidding interval (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60222.7± 1.89Doe’s breed0.028Khari20214.7a± 3.53Jamunapari20228.9b± 3.17Khari × Jamunapari20225b± 2.84Parity0.370Parity 1–325220.9± 2.54Parity 4–617218.9± 3.06Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above144222.3± 3.88231.5± 6.22Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.The literature comprising these three genetic groups was not available; however, the result regarding kidding interval has been corroborated with other workers, and it was found that the result for Khari was in agreement with Paudel (221 days) while that of Jamunapari was similar to the finding of Rout et al. (229 ± 26.7 days) and Bhowmik et al. (2014) (224 ± 14.42 days) [10, 19, 20]. The present result for Jamunapari was higher than that reported by Hassan et al. (210.5 ± 29.4 days) and lower than Rout et al. (335 ± 6 days) [5, 9]. The kidding interval of crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari was 319 days as per Bhattarai et al. which was quite higher than our findings [15]. Lower kidding interval in Khari was due to their early postpartum estrus (Table 5).Table 5
Least square means and standard errors of age at first kidding (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall6073.7± 2.03Doe’s breed0.000Khari2055.9a± 3.80Jamunapari2091.5c± 3.40Khari × Jamunapari2073.5b± 3.05Parity0.518Parity 1–32570.1± 2.74Parity 4–61770.8± 3.28Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above14475.7± 4.1780.2± 6.69Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.Though parity seemed to be nonsignificant in kidding interval, the lowest value of kidding interval was seen on 4th to 6th parity (218.9 days) followed by 1st to 3rd parity (220.9 days) (Table 4). Sharma et al. also found lower values of kidding interval for midparities. This is due to the incomplete attainment of reproductive maturity in early parity and degeneration of reproductive organs at late parities [21].


### 3.1.5. Postpartum Estrus

The results showed a significant effect of breed on postpartum estrus. The overall postpartum estrus in the studied population was 73.7 ± 2.03 days. In the study, the lowest postpartum estrus was found in Khari (55.9 ± 3.80 days) followed by crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari (73.5 ± 3.05 days) (Table5). Parajuli reported quite similar value (50.4 ± 0.84) of postpartum estrus interval of the dams in Nawalparasi district [22]. FAO and Rout et al. reported a higher service period of 101.4 ± 13.03 and 187 ± 8.1 days, respectively, for Jamunapari [5, 23]. According to Parajuli et al. [8], the days of postpartum estrus interval were increased from first parity (48.9 days) up to seventh parity (52.8 ± 0.86 days), as in our study though the values were a bit different.


## 3.1.1. Age at First Estrus

Age at first estrus was found significant with Doe’s breed (p<0.001).The average age at the first estrus of Khari was lowest (252.3 days) and highest in Jamunapari with the value of 337.5 days (Table1). Central Goat Development Farm, Bandipur reported age at puberty as 180–210 days in Khari, which was quite early than our findings [7]. Parajuli et al. found earlier sexual maturity of 253 ± 4.97 to 257.3 ± 4.74 days in summer and winter born Khari kids [8]. The average age at first estrus similar to our study (354.8 ± 17.1 and 335 ± 25.77 days, respectively) was found by Hassan et al. and Bhowmik et al. [9, 10].Table 1
Least square means and standard errors of age at first estrus (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60296.5±3.11Doe’s breed0.000Khari20252.3a± 5.81Jamunapari20337.5c± 5.20Khari × Jamunapari20300.7b± 4.66Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


## 3.1.2. Age at First Kidding

Doe’s breed showed a very highly significant effect on age at first kidding. The lowest age at first kidding was observed in Khari (403.9 days), while the highest age at first kidding was observed in Jamunapari (457 days) (Table2). The age at first kidding of Khari was found higher than the results obtained by Sapkota (356 days) during their comparative study of goat performance, and lower than the result of Pandey during their study on the performance of Khari and their cross on hills of Nepal (611.3 ± 10.79), but it was in accordance with Kolachhapati (407.7 ± 34.36 days) [11–13]. The results on Jamunapari and crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari were lower than those obtained by Hassan et al. (534 ± 24.58 days) and Bhattarai et al. (577 days), respectively [14, 15].Table 2
Least square means and standard errors of age at first kidding (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60457.5± 3.14Doe’s breed0.000Khari20403.9a± 5.87Jamunapari20511.4c± 5.26Khari × Jamunapari20457b± 4.71Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


## 3.1.3. Gestation Length

Significant effect of Doe’s breed and parity was found on gestation length of goats. Khari, Khari × Jamunapari, and Jamunapari had gestation lengths of 148.2, 150.5, and 152.4 days, respectively (Table3).Table 3
Least square means and standard errors of gestation length (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60150.4± 0.16Doe’s breed0.000Khari20148.2a± 0.29Jamunapari20152.4c± 0.26Khari × Jamunapari20150.5b± 0.23Parity0.019Parity 1–325150.1a± 0.21Parity 4–617149.5a± 0.25Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above144150.9b± 0.32151.2b± 0.51Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.Pandey and Sapkota reported gestation lengths of 149 and 150, respectively, for Khari which was similar to the present study [11, 12]. Neopane presented shorter gestation length of Khari (145 ± 0.18 days) [16]. Das and Yadav reported a lower gestation length of 150 ± 1 days for Jamunapari, but Hassan et al. reported results similar to our study i.e., 152.8 ± 17.5 days [9, 17]. A lower gestation length of 149.533 days was observed on 4th to 6th parity which was at par with 1st to 3rd parity (150.1 days) (Table 3). Joshi et al. reported a shorter gestation length with increase in parity due to full maturity and efficient function of the uterus, which was found convincing upto sixth parity in our study, and later on, it was found increasing, that might be due to the degeneration of reproductive tissues with ageing [18].


## 3.1.4. Kidding Interval

Breed of Doe showed a significant effect on kidding interval which was found lowest (214.7 days) for Khari. The kidding interval for Jamunapari and crossbreds of Khari and Jamunapari was 228.9 and 225 days, respectively which did not differ (P>0.05) from each other (Table 4).Table 4
Least square means and standard errors of kidding interval (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall60222.7± 1.89Doe’s breed0.028Khari20214.7a± 3.53Jamunapari20228.9b± 3.17Khari × Jamunapari20225b± 2.84Parity0.370Parity 1–325220.9± 2.54Parity 4–617218.9± 3.06Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above144222.3± 3.88231.5± 6.22Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.The literature comprising these three genetic groups was not available; however, the result regarding kidding interval has been corroborated with other workers, and it was found that the result for Khari was in agreement with Paudel (221 days) while that of Jamunapari was similar to the finding of Rout et al. (229 ± 26.7 days) and Bhowmik et al. (2014) (224 ± 14.42 days) [10, 19, 20]. The present result for Jamunapari was higher than that reported by Hassan et al. (210.5 ± 29.4 days) and lower than Rout et al. (335 ± 6 days) [5, 9]. The kidding interval of crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari was 319 days as per Bhattarai et al. which was quite higher than our findings [15]. Lower kidding interval in Khari was due to their early postpartum estrus (Table 5).Table 5
Least square means and standard errors of age at first kidding (days).
FactorsNo. of observationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall6073.7± 2.03Doe’s breed0.000Khari2055.9a± 3.80Jamunapari2091.5c± 3.40Khari × Jamunapari2073.5b± 3.05Parity0.518Parity 1–32570.1± 2.74Parity 4–61770.8± 3.28Parity 7–9Parity 10 and above14475.7± 4.1780.2± 6.69Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.Though parity seemed to be nonsignificant in kidding interval, the lowest value of kidding interval was seen on 4th to 6th parity (218.9 days) followed by 1st to 3rd parity (220.9 days) (Table 4). Sharma et al. also found lower values of kidding interval for midparities. This is due to the incomplete attainment of reproductive maturity in early parity and degeneration of reproductive organs at late parities [21].


## 3.1.5. Postpartum Estrus

The results showed a significant effect of breed on postpartum estrus. The overall postpartum estrus in the studied population was 73.7 ± 2.03 days. In the study, the lowest postpartum estrus was found in Khari (55.9 ± 3.80 days) followed by crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari (73.5 ± 3.05 days) (Table5). Parajuli reported quite similar value (50.4 ± 0.84) of postpartum estrus interval of the dams in Nawalparasi district [22]. FAO and Rout et al. reported a higher service period of 101.4 ± 13.03 and 187 ± 8.1 days, respectively, for Jamunapari [5, 23]. According to Parajuli et al. [8], the days of postpartum estrus interval were increased from first parity (48.9 days) up to seventh parity (52.8 ± 0.86 days), as in our study though the values were a bit different.


## 3.2. Litter Traits

### 3.2.1. Litter Size

Litter size at birth for breeds was found to be significantly different (p<0.05) with highest value for Khari (2.4) followed by crossbred of Jamunapari and Khari (2.1) and Jamunapari (1.7) (Figure 1). Hassan et al. found the litter size at birth of Jamunapari to be 1.8 which was coinciding with our results [9]. Sapkota reported litter size at birth of Khari (1.6 ± 0.06) lower than that of our study [11]. The number of kids per kidding could be increased up to 2.05 with a minimum provision of health care and nutrition [13].Figure 1
Litter size at birth and weaning.Litter size at weaning was 1.9, 1.6, and 1.7, respectively, for Khari, Jamunapari, and their crossbreds, respectively (Figure1). Higher litter size at birth for Khari was due to its genetic potential for prolificacy, which eventually led to its higher litter size at weaning.


### 3.2.2. Litter Birth Weight

A nonsignificant effect of Doe's breed was observed on litter weight at birth. Khari, Jamunapari, and their crossbreds had litter birth weights of 4.28, 4.35, and 4.3 kg, respectively (Table6). The tentative individual kid’s birth weight for each genetic group was found to be 1.8, 2.5, and 2.1 kg, respectively. This result for Jamunapari was slightly lower than that observed by Rout et al. (2.7 ± 0.03 kg) [5]. The present result for Khari was in accordance with Neopane, 1997 (1.7 ± 0.02 kg). Bhattarai et al. observed litter birth weight of 2.3 ± 0.65 for the crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari [15]. Also, Bhattarai et al. reported that litter birth weight was high for the does having triplets (5.5 kg) as compared to those having single and twin kids [24, 25].Table 6
Least square means and standard errors of litter birth weight (kg).
FactorsNo. ofobservationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall604.3± 0.19Doe’s breed0.52Khari204.28a± 0.35Jamunapari204.35a± 0.31Khari × Jamunapari204.30a± 0.28Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


## 3.2.1. Litter Size

Litter size at birth for breeds was found to be significantly different (p<0.05) with highest value for Khari (2.4) followed by crossbred of Jamunapari and Khari (2.1) and Jamunapari (1.7) (Figure 1). Hassan et al. found the litter size at birth of Jamunapari to be 1.8 which was coinciding with our results [9]. Sapkota reported litter size at birth of Khari (1.6 ± 0.06) lower than that of our study [11]. The number of kids per kidding could be increased up to 2.05 with a minimum provision of health care and nutrition [13].Figure 1
Litter size at birth and weaning.Litter size at weaning was 1.9, 1.6, and 1.7, respectively, for Khari, Jamunapari, and their crossbreds, respectively (Figure1). Higher litter size at birth for Khari was due to its genetic potential for prolificacy, which eventually led to its higher litter size at weaning.


## 3.2.2. Litter Birth Weight

A nonsignificant effect of Doe's breed was observed on litter weight at birth. Khari, Jamunapari, and their crossbreds had litter birth weights of 4.28, 4.35, and 4.3 kg, respectively (Table6). The tentative individual kid’s birth weight for each genetic group was found to be 1.8, 2.5, and 2.1 kg, respectively. This result for Jamunapari was slightly lower than that observed by Rout et al. (2.7 ± 0.03 kg) [5]. The present result for Khari was in accordance with Neopane, 1997 (1.7 ± 0.02 kg). Bhattarai et al. observed litter birth weight of 2.3 ± 0.65 for the crossbred of Khari and Jamunapari [15]. Also, Bhattarai et al. reported that litter birth weight was high for the does having triplets (5.5 kg) as compared to those having single and twin kids [24, 25].Table 6
Least square means and standard errors of litter birth weight (kg).
FactorsNo. ofobservationsLS mean± SEp valueOverall604.3± 0.19Doe’s breed0.52Khari204.28a± 0.35Jamunapari204.35a± 0.31Khari × Jamunapari204.30a± 0.28Note. LS = least square; SE = standard error.


## 4. Conclusion

The dominant breed Khari was found to have the earliest estrus and kidding, shortest gestation length, postpartum estrus, and kidding interval but lower litter birth weight. Jamunapari was found to have the highest litter birth weight though its other reproductive performances were not as good as Khari. This may be due to the lack of adequate nutrition for this large breed. Crossbreds of Khari and Jamunapari were found to be average performers compared to Khari and Jamunapari. The kidding interval and gestation length were found lower in midparities (4th to 6th) as compared to early and late parities.According to the findings of this study, the overall performances of goats raised under farmers’ production systems in Sundarbazar are satisfying. Given that these animals are typically kept in substandard nutrition, many of these reproductive and litter traits were excellent. The principal breed Khari could be a desirable breed for the area with some improvement in the management practices, such as crossbreeding with Jamunapari to increase the birth weight of kids, improving the nutrition, housing and health care, and stricter selection, but at a higher cost of production.



---

*Source: 1946125-2022-07-18.xml*