A STUDY OF SOME PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF BOER GOAT IN HUNGARY

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Cattle and Sheep Breeding, Szent István University Páter Károly str. 1, 2103 Gödöllő, Hungary.

Abstract

SUMMARY
Reproductive and growth performances of the Boer goat were evaluated in a
ranch, located in Hungary. The flock was grazing grass during the day,
supplemented with meadow hay and maize grains (300-400 g) in the goat house at
night, except one month post-partum when goats were kept indoor on meadow hay
and maize.
The kidding performance was evaluated in 33 does. The does of 2-3 years old
were mated in autumn, 2001 and they kidded from March till April in 2002. The
kids were milk-fed and also consumed the feed items given to does till weaning at
100 days of age.
The Boer goat performances in Hungary were: fecundity 94 %, percentage
multiple birth 77 % and litter size 2.00. The overall mean birth weights were 3.4 kg
and the kids’ mean daily gain were 145 g/day and 201 g/day in the ranch during 30
and 100 days, respectively. Birth weight and kid weight varied in a significant
negative correlation with litter size (r=-0.60; r=-0.79; P<0.001) in a flock. Gross
meat production was per doe 47 kg.
The Boer goat is worthy of breeding in Hungary providing correct nutrition
conditions are available.