Fertility and Milk Production Characteristics of Saanen Goats Raised in Mus Region

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the fertility and milk yield characteristics of Saanen goats raised in Mus province, Eastern Anatolia region. This experiment was carried out in Duzova village of Korkut country, Mus. 129 female and 8 male Saanen goats, for first year and 122 female and 7 male Saanen goats for second year (2007-2008) were utilized for mating seasons. Goats were fertilized as free mating in the years 2007-2008 (August-September). Percentages of pregnancy, abortion, birth, single birth and twinning were 90.04, 9.73, 81.27, 42.16 and 57.84%, respectively, kid yields per birth and yields of kids were 1.59 and 129%, respectively. Lactation period, daily milk yield and milk yield per lactation were 273.12 d, 1.37 kg and 383.05 kg. The effects of factors such as year, age and birth types on fertility and lactation of goats were evaluated. In conclussion, the reproduction and milk production data obtained in the current study from Saanen goats raised in Mus province have revealed that Saanen goats can be used for goat milk and kid production in the region.