Evaluation of Non-Genetic Factors Affecting Birth Weight of Kalahari Red Goats in South Africa

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of non-genetic factors on the birth weight of Kalahari Red goats, a critical economic parameter in livestock production. Analysing data from 1902 goat kids born between 2008 and 2017 in different regions of South Africa, including the Northern (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Northwest, and Limpopo), Southern (Eastern Cape and the eastern part of Western Cape), and Eastern (KwaZulu-Natal and the eastern part of Eastern Cape), the research employs a least-squares analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure. The results highlight the significance of various factors in determining birth weight. Season of birth, sire age, doe age, sex of the kid, breeder, year of birth, and birth type emerge as influential sources of variation (p < 0.05). Notably, region and kidding interval show no significant effect on birth weight (p > 0.05). Male kids generally have a higher average birth weight compared to females. Single births result in higher weights than multiple births (twins, triplets, and quadruplets). The study underscores the importance of considering these factors in genetic evaluation models. It emphasises their relevance in enhancing the understanding of prenatal growth and postnatal development in Kalahari Red goats within the context of livestock production.