Study on Performance and Adaptability of Saanen Dairy Goats under Tropical Intensive Management

Abstract

Saanen goats were imported to Sudan from Netherlands, during the years 2004 and 2006, in order to improve milk yield by crossing with local breeds. Animals were kept in Khartoum state for adaptation and breeding in intensive management system. Data from 440 records of performance of imported and locally born Saanen during the years 2004,2005,2006,2007 and 2008 were studied for total milk yield, lactation length, daily milk yield, birth weight and litter size. The data was rearranged to investigate the effect of season (summer, winter and autumn) and place of birth and rearing (imported and local born). The study revealed that, with the exception of litter size, season significantly (p<0.01) influence all parameters studied (total milk yield, lactation length, average daily yield and birth weight). Total milk yield and lactation length are significantly higher in winter compared to both summer and autumn. However, the average daily milk yield was significantly higher in autumn than in summer season. On the other hand birth weight was significantly higher in summer and autumn compared to winter. Does born in winter had the highest litter size (1.64±0.65) followed by those born in autumn (1.62±0.57) then those born in summer (1.43±0.57). The imported Saanen does had lower total milk yield and significantly (P<0.01) shorter lactation length than the Saanen does born locally. On the other hand the locally born Saanen had significantly (p<0.01) lower average daily milk yield, litter size and kids birth weight than those of the imported Saanen does. Total milk yield was significantly (P<0.01) and positively correlated with lactation length and the average daily milk yield. The birth weight was negatively correlated (P<0.01) with both lactation length and litter size. But it showed positive correlation with the average daily milk yield. Both milk yield and lactation length tended to increase from the 1st up to the 6th parity.