Determination of Appropriate Growth Models for Early Selection Possibilities in Goats

Abstract

Growth models present a visual assessment of growth as a function of time and predict body weight at a specific age. We investigated the growth characteristics of Colored Mohair goat using four nonlinear growth models. Thirty (n=22 males and n=8 females) Colored Mohair kids were used. The kids were weighed at 2-week intervals from birth to 150 days. The Monomolecular, Gompertz, Richards and Three Parameter Logistic models were used. The best model was determined by considering the root mean square error, R-2% and asymptotic correlation coefficient criteria. We concluded that the Gompertz and Richards models were favourable for singletons and that the Richards model was favorable for determining twin Colored Mohair goat growth characteristics. Birth type should be considered in subsequent genetic evaluations. Furthermore, producing heavier carcasses (13-17 kg) in < 150 days may increase productivity and efficiency of the goat farming system.