Abstract

ABSTRACT
Most Nigerian indigenous breeds of goat are raised under free range traditional system in rural communities, where their embedded genetic potentials are underexploited due to poor management practices. This study compared the productivity of phenotypically identified primigravid does belonging to three different breed types; West African Dwarf (WAD) n=17, Red Sokoto (RS) n=13 and crossbreed of WAD & RS n= 12. Synchronization was done using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) (Receptal®) at 100µg per animal, and Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) Dinoprost thromethamine (LutalyseR) at 5mg per animal. The animals were mated naturally, fed supplemented diet and allowed access into established paddocks for 190 days. The weight and the haematology of the does were monitored during the pregnancy. The gestation length (GL), litter size, weight of kids, weight distribution by sex and post-partum offspring weight changes and survival were evaluated. Data were tested for significant differences between groups using analysis of variance (ANOVA). P

Key words: Nigeria indigenous goats, Semi intensive management, estrus synchronization, productivity