ESTIMATION OF LIVE BODY WEIGHT FROM CHEST GIRTH MEASUREMENT AND BODY CONDITION SCORES IN SAVANNAH BROWN GOATS IN ZARIA

Abstract

The study was conducted at Kongila sheep and goat market, Zaria, Nigeria in order to develop predictive equations for the determination of live body weight from chest girth and body condition scores in Savannah Brown goats. Data were collected randomly on 49 goats, aged between 1 to 3 years; 42 males and 7 females. The overall mean values (males and females) for body weight, chest girth and body condition scores were 14.86 ± 0.64 kg, 59.61 ± 0.86 cm and 2.78 ± 0.08, respectively. Body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) and positively correlated with chest girth (r = 0.795) and body condition scores (r = 0.579), indicating a relationship between these variables. Live body weights were regressed on chest girth and body condition scores, which appeared to be significantly good, especially with the chest girth. The high and positive correlations between body weight and chest girth, established in this study provide information that may be useful in the early selection of Savannah Brown goats for genetic improvement schemes. In conclusion, there were direct relationships between body weight, chest girth and body condition scores in Savannah Brown goats.