The Determination of Growth in Akkeci (White Goat) Female Kids by Various Growth Models

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the growth of 26 Akkeci (White goat = Saanen x Kilis (131) crossbreed) female kids by measuring their body weight, withers height, body length, heart girth depth, heart girth width, heart girth circumference, leg circumference and volume index in two-week intervals from birth to 500 days of age and by using different growth models (Monomolecular, Gompertz, Weibull and Richards). An approximate volume index was calculated by multiplying the values of heart girth depth, body length and heart girth width. The best one among these models was determined in respect of RMS (square root of Residual Means Squares which is calculated from the Square Root of Error Mean Square in ANOVA), R-2%, Adjusted R-2%, Mallow's C-P statistic, and asymptotic correlation coefficients criteria. As a result, it was determined that Weibull growth model (which is not concerned with Weibull statistical distribution but is related to parameters of Weibull distribution) was suitable for the above-mentioned material and studied traits.