The Effect of Body Condition Score on Fertility, Live Weight and Some Body Measurements in Goats

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of body condition score at mating and kidding period on fertility traits, live weight and some body measurements in Saanen and Hair goats. The study was carried out on 49 head Saanen and 48 head Hair goats at the age of 2-5 years. Mating and kidding condition scores were determined as 2.24 and 1.84 in Saanen goats and 2.17 and 1.87 in Hair goats, respectively. The effect of condition score at mating on twinning rate (P<0.01) and survivability of kids (P<0.05) was significant; however, its effect on pregnancy rate, fecundity, litter size and infertility rate was insignificant. Besides the effect of condition score at mating on live weight in the same period was insignificant while it had significant effect on live weight after parturition (P<0.01). Condition score at kidding had a significant effect on live weight for both periods (P<0.05). The effect of body condition score on body measurements was not significant. According to the study results, it can be said that in Saanen and Hair goats, body condition score at the start of the mating season should be at least 2.5 and also this condition should be maintained during the period of gestation. © 2016, Centenary University. All rights reserved.