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CHAPTER 2: THE NORTHWESTERN ARID AND SEMI-ARID REGION (Contd.)

2.3 Goat Breeds

2.3.1 SIROHI (Plate 12)

a) Distribution. Sirohi district of Rajasthan. The breed also extends to Palanpur in Gujarat.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Sirohi distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.295 m, of which 0.007 m adult males and 0.204 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
16.5
24.9
9.3–22.3
19.3–31.5
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
55
48
29–95
24–91
Annual rainfall (cm)169 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult maleAdult female
Body weight (kg)50.37 ± 2.52 (16)22.54 ± 0.17 (343)
Body length (cm)80.0 ± 1.02 (16)61.3 ± 0.2 (343)
Height at withers (cm)85.6 ± 1.4 (16)68.4 ± 0.2 (343)
Chest girth (cm)80.3 ± 1.0 (16)62.4 ± 0.2 (343)

ii) Conformation. Compact, medium-sized animals. Coat colour predominantly brown, with light or dark brown patches; a very few individuals are completely white. Most animals are wattled. Ears are flat and leaf-like, medium-sized and drooping; ear length: 18.8 + 0.6 cm (15). Both sexes have small horns, curved upward and backward; horn length: 7.7 ± 0.15 cm (144). Tail is medium in length and curved upward; tail length: 16.7 ± 0.14 cm (153). Udder is small and round, with small teats placed laterally.

e) Flock structure. Average flock size is 60 (range: 10 to 200), containing 1 adult male, 42 adult females and 17 young.

f) Reproduction. Under farm conditions, kidding percentage: (5): 89.3% (328). Litter size: singles: 91.5%; twins: 8.5%.

g) Mortality (5): 0 to 3 months: 1.9% (219); 3 to 12 months: 4% (179); adults: 2.5% (451).

h) Breeding. Generally pure breeding. Males are selected on size from within flocks. There is some introduction of Marwari for increasing hair production.

i) Performance

SIROHIPlate 12
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK
At birth2.82 ± 0.02 (309)
At weaning9.92 ± 0.12 (288)
6 months13.48 ± 0.19 (144)
9 months16.95 ± 0.21 (118)
12 months21.27 ± 0.23 (117)

In individual feed-lots, from 3 to 6 months of age (4, 5): average daily gain: 61.4 ± 5.36 g (23); efficiency of feed conversion (%) (4, 5): 10.1 ± 0.93 (23). Age at slaughter: 6 months. Dressing percentage on pre-slaughter live-weight basis (4, 5): 47.3 ± 0.9 (13). Bone/meat ratio (5): 1:4.497 ± 0.357 (9).

MARWARIPlate 13
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

2.3.2 MARWARI (Plate 13)

a) Distribution. Marwar region of Rajasthan, comprising Jodhpur, Pali, Nagaur, Bikaner, Jalore, Jaisalmer and Barmer districts. The breed also extends into certain areas of Gujarat, especially Mehsana district.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Marwari distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 3.914 m, of which 0.072 m adult males and 2.484 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
20
33.7
8.2–28.3
23.8–41.8
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
54.6
32.3
35.3–78
18.3–57.6
Annual rainfall (cm)33.17 

d) Breed characteristics

i) Size

 Adult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)33.18 ± 1.77 (17)25.85 ± 0.29 (404)
Body length (cm)70.97 ± 1.65 (17)63.51 ± 0.44 (404)
Height at withers (cm)74.74 ± 1.61 (17)69.29 ± 0.22 (404)
Chest girth (cm)71.68 ± 1.41 (17)68.60 ± 0.26 (404)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals. Predominantly black with long shaggy hair coat. In about 5% of individuals, white or brown patches are also observed. Beard is present in both sexes. Ears are flat, medium in length and drooping; ear length: 16.38 ± 0.20 cm (245). Both sexes have short, pointed horns, directed upward and backward; horn length: 10.10 ± 0.18 cm (246). Tail is small and thin. Udder is small and round, with small teats placed laterally.

e) Flock structure. Average flock size: 48.0 ± 4.6 (29) (range: from 10 to 100), containing 0.6 adult males, 36.4 adult females and 11.0 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks, kidding percentage: 52.5 ± 3.4 (25); litter size: generally single.

g) Mortality. Young: 23.1 ± 3.2%; adults: 9.6 ± 1.5.

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Breeding males are selected on size and hair production, mostly from within the flock. The Animal Husbandry Department of the Government of Rajasthan has introduced cross-breeding with Jamnapari to increase milk production.

i) Performance

At birth2.29 ± 0.05 (30)
At weaning6.00 ± 0.85 (20)
6 months8.70 ± 1.35 (14)
9 months13.70 ± 1.58 (14)
12 months16.25 ± 2.79 (12)

2.3.3. BEETAL (Plate 14)

a) Distribution. Throughout the States of Punjab and Haryana. True-bred animals are however found in the districts of Gurdaspur, Amritsar and Ferozepur in Punjab.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Beetal distribution area, according to the 1972 livestock census, was 0.159 m, of which 0.014 m adult males and 0.084 m adult females. The goat population of Punjab has shown a marked decline. Surveys carried out by the Division of Dairy Cattle Genetics of the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) showed that both the number of flocks and the number of goats per flock have decreased, primarily owing to an increase in irrigated cultivated areas and the shortage of natural vegetation available for browsing. Beetal is a good dairy breed, second to Jamnapari in size but is superior to it in that it is more prolific and more easily adaptable to different agro-ecological conditions and to stall-feeding. Jamnapari is more sensitive to environmental changes, especially confinement. There is need for conserving this breed.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
17.3
31.9
5.8–27.1
20.2–41.2
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
66
44
37–83
22–66
Annual rainfall (cm)70.4 

d) Breed characteristics

i) Size  
 Adult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)59.07 ± 2.82 (12)34.97 ± 0.52 (132)
Body length (cm)85.5 ± 1.49 (12)70.42 ± 0.88 (130)
Height at withers (cm)91.60 ± 1.97 (12)77.13 ± 0.46 (130)
Chest girth (cm)86.0 ± 1.20 (12)73.70 ± 0.70 (130)

ii) Conformation. Large animals. Variable coat colour, predominantly black or brown with white spots of differing sizes. In a survey conducted by NDRI in the home tract of the breed, 92.6% animals were black and 7.4% brown. The coat is short and lustrous. The face line is convex, with typical Roman nose but not as prominent as in Jamnapari. Ears are long and flat, curled and drooping; ear length: 24.8 ± 0.65 cm (18). Both sexes have thick, medium-sized horns, carried horizontally with a slight twist directed backward and upward; horn length: 11.95 ± 0.76 cm (20). Tail is small and thin. The udder is large and well developed, with large conical teats.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 21.06 ± 1.92 individuals, of which 1.5 adult males, 11.7 adult females and 7.8 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks, age at first kidding: 559 days: kidding interval: 357 days. Under farm conditions, age at first kidding (6, 17, 29): 761.87 ± 4.24 days (2 183); kidding interval (6, 17, 29): 368.0 ± 2.44 days (3 411); service period (29): 159.9 ± 9.7 days (92); kidding percentage (6): 176.4; litter size (6, 20): singles: 40.66%; twins: 52.6%; triplets: 6.52%, quadruplets: 0.22% (based on 2 487 kids born).

BEETALPlate 14
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

g) Mortality. Pre-weaning (3, 6): 25.4% (4 167); adults (3): 13.2% (599)

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Breeding males are generally selected on the basis of their dam's milk yield. The services of a buck of a neighbouring owner are commonly utilized when a flock does not possess a buck.

i) Performance

At birth2.80 ± 0.01 (4 092)
At weaning9.26 ± 0.09 (228)
6 months12.18 ± 0.21 (78)
9 months15.42 ± 0.65 (37)
12 months21.83 ± 0.83 (64)

Age at slaughter: 9 months; dressing percentage on pre-slaughter live-weight basis (9): 49.68%.

JHAKRANAPlate 15
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

2.3.4. JHAKRANA (Plate 15)

a) Distribution. Jhakrana and a few surrounding villages near Behror, in the Alwar district of Rajasthan.

b) Numbers. The number of animals of this breed is rather small, as it is restricted to a very limited area. Considering that it is a good indigenous dairy breed, there is need for its conservation.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
18.4
31.7
8.3–27.3
22.0–40.6
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
53
37
29–68
18–71
Annual rainfall (cm)64.81 

d) Breed characteristics

i) Size

 Adult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)57.80 ± 3.50 (10)44.48 ± 0.52 (178)
Body length (cm)84.10 ± 2.11 (10)77.74 ± 0.36 (178)
Height at withers (cm)90.40 ± 1.61 (10)79.12 ± 0.29 (178)
Chest girth (cm)86.00 ± 1.91 (10)79.13 ± 0.31 (178)

ii) Conformation. Large animals. The coat, predominantly black with white spots on ears and muzzle, is short and lustrous. Face line is straight. Forehead is narrow and slightly bulging. The breed is quite similar to Beetal, the major difference being that Jhakrana is longer. Ear length is medium: 13.8 ± 0.19 cm (164). Udder is large, with large conical teats.

e) Flock structure. The average flock consists of 14.2 ± 2.1 (36) individuals; (range: 5 to 34), including 0.05 adult males, 9.08 adult females and 5.07 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 141.8 ± 10.05 (223). Litter size: singles: 57.0 ± 7.6%; twins: 41.0 ± 7.5%; triplets: 2.0 ± 1.2% (22).

g) Mortality. Young: 3.4 ± 2.1% (18); adults: 0.17% (18).

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Males are selected on the basis of their dam's milk yield. Breeding bucks are generally produced from within the flock. Owners of small flocks who do not maintain a buck utilize services of the buck from a neighbour's flock.

i) Performance: Milk. In farmers' flocks, average daily milk yield: 3.18 ± 0.17 kg (28); lactation length: 231.8 ± 6.3 days (22). Under farm conditions (7), lactation yield: 121.80 ± 8.8 kg (12); lactation length: 114.7 ± 18.5 days (12); daily milk yield: 0.988 ± 0.06 kg (12).

BARBARIPlate 16
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

2.3.5 BARBARI (Plate 16)

a) Distribution. Etah, Agra and Aligarh districts of Uttar Pradesh, and Bharatpur district of Rajasthan.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Barbari distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.444 m, of which 0.028 m adult males and 0.270 m adult females. Officials of the State Animal Husbandry Department state that Barbari goats true to breed number only about 30 000. The breed, quite important for milk and meat, is a dwarf breed highly suited for rearing under restrained and stall-feeding conditions. In addition to being a good milker, it is highly prolific. Considering the number of animals reported, there is serious need for undertaking conservation measures. It was observed in personal surveys that most males are castrated early in life and fattened for slaughter at religious festivals, and that a sizeable number of non-descript goats are kept for milk production by owners who maintain Barbaris, as all the milk of the latter is allowed to be suckled by their kids to ensure good growth.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
18.8
32.3
7.5–28.8
22.2–41.7
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
62
43.6
33.3–83
20–74
Annual rainfall (cm)77.0 

d) Breed characteristics

i) Size (sources: 19,31 and personal observations)

 Adult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)37.85 ± 1.96 (10)22.56 ± 0.32 (203)
Body length (cm)70.45 ± 1.43 (11)58.68 ± 0.38 (203)
Height at withers (cm)70.67 ± 0.74 (11)56.18 ± 0.37 (203)
Chest girth (cm)75.53 ± 1.25 (11)64.31 ± 0.40 (203)

ii) Conformation. Small animals, with compact body. The orbital bone is quite prominent, so that eyes appear bulging. There is wide variation in coat colour, but white with small light brown patches is the most typical. Ears are short, tubular, almost double, with the slit opening in front, erect, directed upward and outward. Both sexes have twisted horns, medium in length and directed upward and backward; horn length: 11.17 ± 0.27 cm (99). Bucks have a large thick beard.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 9.25 ± 2.23 individuals (range: 2 to 31), of which 0.6 adult males, 5.3 adult females and 3.4 young.

f) Management and feeding. Stationary. Mostly maintained on browsing and grazing stubble of cultivated crops and tree leaves. Cultivated fodders (e.g. berseem, wheat straw) and grains (e.g. maize, barley, millets) are commonly offered. The animals are generally housed in thatched sheds inside the house. Most males are castrated at ages between 7 to 30 days by the open method, with a blade, and are fattened on milk for slaughter on festive occasions.

g) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks, litter size; singles: 23.12 ± 8.4%; twins: 64.12 ± 9.4%; triplets: 12.75 ± 6.8%. Under farm conditions, age at first kidding (11): 648 ± 36 days (24); kidding interval (11): 348 ± 9 days (24); service period (25): 70 days (90); kidding percentage (27): 70.2 (322); litter size (11, 22, 27): singles: 49.64%; twins: 49.32%; triplets: 1.04% (578).

h) Mortality. In farmers' flocks, young: 0.87 ± 0.35%; adults: 0.19 ± 0.14%. Under farm conditions, pre-weaning mortality (18, 27): 41.5%.

i) Production.

At birth1.739 ± 0.018 (539)
At weaning6.661 ± 0.095 (325)
6 months7.800 ± 0.476 (9)
9 months12.566 ± 1.215 (9)
12 months14.517 ± 0.765 (18)

2.3.6 JAMNAPARI (Plate 17)

The name is derived from the location of the breed beyond the river Jamna (Jamna Par) in Uttar Pradesh 1.

a) Distribution. Agra, Mathura and Etawa districts in Uttar Pradesh and Bhind and Morena districts in Madhya Pradesh. However, the pure stocks are found only in about 80 villages in the vicinity of Batpura and Chakar Nagar in Etawa district.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Jamnapari distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.58 m. However, officials of the Animal Husbandry Department of Uttar Pradesh state that the total number of pure-bred Jamnapari does not exceed 5 000; these are located mostly in the Chakar Nagar area, between the Jamna and Chambal ravines. There is a serious need for conservation, multiplication and further improvement of the breed, considering the extremely small numbers of pure-bred animals remaining. Jamnapari is one of the largest goats in India; it has been extensively utilized to upgrade indigenous breeds for meat and milk, and has been taken to neighbouring countries for the same purpose.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
19.0
32.3
7.4–29.5
22.2–41.8
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
60
41
30–81
18–75
Annual rainfall (cm)76.54 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult maleAdult female
Body weight (kg)44.66 ± 1.89 (49)38.03 ± 0.63 (168)
Body length (cm)77.37 ± 1.23 (49)75.15 ± 0.46 (168)
Height at withers (cm)78.17 ± 1.25 (49)75.20 ± 0.38 (168)
Chest girth (cm)79.52 ± 1.2 (49)76.11 ± 0.38 (168)

ii) Conformation. Large animals. There is a great variation in coat colour, but the typical coat is white with small tan patches on head and neck. The typical character of the breed is a highly convex nose line with a tuft of hair, yielding a parrotmouth appearance. The ears are very long, flat and drooping; ear length: 26.79 ± 0.21 cm (216). Both sexes are horned; horn length: 8.69 ± 0.27 cm(108). Tail is thin and short. A thick growth of hair on the buttocks, known as feathers, obscures the udder when observed from behind. The udder is well developed, round, with large conical teats.

1 A distinct strain, called Ramdhan (also known locally as Kandari Ka Khana) originated from a cross between a doe from the Alwar region in Rajasthan and a Jamnapari buck; it has a typical nose shape, even more like a parrot mouth than is usually observed in the true breed. The strain is known to have better milk production and growth, but its flocks are very limited in number.

JAMNAPARIPlate 17
a) ADULT MALEb) ADULT FEMALE
c) TYPICAL HEAD SHOWING PARROT MOUTHd) FLOCK

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 16.0 ± 2.57 individuals (range: 8 to 41), of which 0.25 adult males, 8.65 adult females and 7.1 young.

f) Management and feeding. The flocks, stationary, are maintained primarily on tree loppings, acacia pods and stubble of cultivated crops. Some supplementary feeding (200 to 250 g/day of Arhar and gram) is given to lactating animals. The animals are housed in the courtyard within the living quarters, under a thatched shed with a thorny fence. Most animals are docked. Castration does not take place.

g) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 124.25 ± 6.05 (12); litter size: singles: 69.0 ± 7.1%; twins: 27.8 ± 6.46%; triplets: 3.2 ± 0.0%. Under farm conditions: age at first kidding (14, 30): 737.0 ± 21.25 days (88); kidding interval (14): 229.3 ± 26.71 days (8); service period (14): 101.4 ± 13.03 days (11); kidding percentage (30): 79.6 (339); litter size (16, 30): singles: 56.2%; twins: 43.1%; triplets: 0.7% (329).

h) Mortality. In farmers' flocks: young: 5.75 ± 2.5% (10); adults: 4.21 ± 1.97% (12).

i) Breeding. Flocks are pure-bred. Selection in bucks is based on dam's milk yield.

j) Performance

At birth4.27 ± 0.04 (372)
3 months12.11 ± 0.45 (13)
6 months15.56 ± 1.67 (5)
9 months24.00 ± 1.16 (5)
12 months29.65 (100)

Dressing percentage on pre-slaughter live-weight basis (15): 44.57 ± 1.09 (5) at 6 months, and 48.16 ± 0.91 (5) at 9 months. Bone/meat ratio (25, 33): 1:3.89.

MEHSANAPlate 18
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

2.3.7 MEHSANA (Plate 18)

a) Distribution. Banaskantha, Mehsana, Gandhi Nagar and Ahmedabad districts of Gujarat.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Mehsana distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.736 m, of which 0.030 m adult males and 0.530 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
20.5
34.2
11.9–27.4
28.7–40.7
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
64
37
47–86
18–69
Annual rainfall (cm)82.3 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult maleAdult female
Body weight (kg)37.14 ± 1.51 (11)32.39 ± 0.38 (185)
Body length (cm)71.2 ± 1.0 (11)68.0 ± 0.3 (183)
Height at withers (cm)80.4 ± 1.2 (11)74.3 ± 0.2 (188)
Chest girth (cm)76.9 ± 1.2 (11)73.0 ± 0.3 (188)

ii) Conformation. Large animals. The coat is black, with white spots at the base of the ear. Nose line is straight. The hair coat is long and shaggy. Ears are white, leaf-like and drooping; ear length: 15.8 ± 0.55 cm (41). Both sexes have slightly twisted horns, curved upward and backward; horn length: 11.0 ± 0.20 cm (190). The udder is well developed; the teats are large and conical.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 54.7 ± 13.1 (27) individuals (range: 20 to 300), of which 0.7 adult males, 39.4 adult females and 14.6 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 69.5 ± 7.1 (23); litter size: singles: 89.7 ± 2.7%; twins: 10.3 ± 2.7% (27).

g) Mortality. In farmers' flocks: young: 13.0 ± 0.35% (25); adults: 3.4 ± 1.1% (25).

h) Breeding. Pure breeding. Males are selected primarily on body size.

i) Performance

GOHILWADIPlate 19
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

2.3.8 GOHILWADI (Plate 19)

a) Distribution. Bhavnagar, Amreli and Junagarh districts of Gujarat.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Gohilwadi distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.369 m, of which 0.017 m adult males and 0.277 m adult remales.

c) Climate.

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
21.0
33.4
11.1–27.1
27.6–39.6
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
56
39
39–77
21–64
Annual rainfall (cm)60.01 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)37.10 ± 1.42 (22)36.03 ± 0.38 (173)
Body length (cm)73.4 ± 1.3 (22)72.4 ± 0.3 (173)
Height at withers (cm)81.2 ± 1.2 (22)79.5 ± 0.3 (173)
Chest girth (cm)74.7 ± 0.9 (22)75.2 ± 0.2 (173)

ii) Conformation. Large animals. The coat is black and covered with coarse long hairs. Nose line is slightly convex. Ears are tubular and drooping; ear length: 17.5 + 2.7 cm (157). Both sexes have slightly twisted horns, turned backward; horn length: 12.5 ± 0.20 cm (190).

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 24.2 ± 2.1 (29) individuals (range: 10 to 50), of which 0.7 adult males, 17.1 adult females and 6.4 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 72.9 ± 6.2 (28); litter size: singles: 84.2 ± 4.1%; twins: 15.8 ± 4.1% (25).

g) Mortality. Young: 6.1 ± 2.5% (27); adults: 6.4 ± 2.3% (27).

h) Performance in farmers' flocks

ZALAWADIPlate 20
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

2.3.9 ZALAWADI (Plate 20)

a) Distribution. Surendranagar and Rajkot districts in Gujarat.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Zalawadi distribution area, according to the 1972 census, was 0.341 m, of which 0.013 m adult males and 0.256 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
19.6
33.9
10.7–26.2
28.1–40.5
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
67
35
49–86
17–68
Annual rainfall (cm)67.38 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)38.84 ± 1.46 (19)32.99 ± 0.32 (186)
Body length (cm)75.6 ± 1.05 (19)71.8 ± 0.3 (186)
Height at withers (cm)83.3 ± 0.8 (19)78.5 ± 0.2 (186)
Chest girth (cm)76.8 ± 1.1 (19)74.2 ± 2.3 (186)

ii) Conformation. Large animals. Coat is black and contains long coarse hair. Ears are long, wide, leaf-like and drooping; ear length: 19.0 ± 0.20 cm (163). Both sexes have long twisted horns, pointed upward; horn length: 16.3 ± 0.2 cm (202). The udder is well developed, with large conical teats.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 41.5 ± 7.4 (17) individuals (range: 10 to 60), of which 0.9 adult males, 28.7 adult females and 11.9 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 71.2 ± 6.7 (15); litter size: singles: 82.1 ± 4.6%; twins: 17.9 ± 4.6% (15).

g) Mortality. Young: 22.0 ± 4.2% (15); adults: 3.6 ± 1.2% (15).

h) Performance

KUTCHIPlate 21
a) ADULT MALE
b) ADULT FEMALE
c) FLOCK

2.3.10 KUTCHI (Plate 21)

a) Distribution. Kutch district in Gujarat.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Kutch district, according to the 1972 census, was 0.402 m, of which 0.018 m adult males and 0.298 m adult females.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
20.1
33.0
10.1–27.4
26.1–38.7
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
63
36
45–80
17–64
Annual rainfall (cm)34.87 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)43.50 ± 1.16 (24)39.29 ± 0.40 (176)
Body length (cm)77.1 ± 1.3 (24)75.0 ± 0.3 (176)
Height at withers (cm)86.4 ± 0.7 (24)82.4 ± 0.3 (176)
Chest girth (cm)78.4 ± 0.7 (24)76.1 ± 0.2 (176)

ii) Conformation. Large animals. The coat is predominantly black, but a few white, brown and spotted animals are also found. The hair is coarse and long. The nose is slightly Roman. The ears are long, broad and drooping; ear length: 22.0 ± 0.26 cm (199). Both sexes have short, thick horns, pointed upward; horn length: 10.6 ± 0.19 cm (198). The udder is reasonably well developed; teats are conical.

e) Flock structure. The average flock contains 83.3 ± 14.5 (24) individuals (range: 30 to 300), of which 2.4 adult males, 70.3 adult females and 10.6 young.

f) Reproduction. In farmers' flocks: kidding percentage: 75.5 ± 4.5 (23); litter size: singles: 84.1 ± 4.2%; twins: 15.2 ± 4.2%; triplets: 0.7 ± 0.4% (22).

g) Mortality: In farmers' flocks: young: 15.0 ± 2.4% (22); adults: 5.5 ± 1.2% (22).

h) Performance in farmers' flocks

SURTIPlate 22
a) ADULT FEMALE

2.3.11 SURTI (Plate 22)

a) Distribution. Surat and Baroda.

b) Numbers. The total goat population in the Surti distribution area is 0.28 m, of which 0.030 m adult males and 0.183 m adult females. Accroding to the officers of the State Department of Animal Husbandry, however, the number of Surti goats is extremely small. The breed is known to be a good dairy breed and is specially suited for maintenance under complete confinement and stall-feeding conditions. Considering its dairy quality and extremely small numbers reported, there is need for conservation, further multiplication and improvement of this breed.

c) Climate

 AverageRange
Average monthly temperature (°C)  
minimum
maximum
21.9
33.6
14.8–27.1
30.3–37.3
Average monthly relative humidity (%)  
morning
evening
71
53
59–87
33–81
Annual rainfall (cm)120.3 

d) Breed characteristics

i) SizeAdult malesAdult females
Body weight (kg)29.50 (2)32.03 ± 1.31 (29)
Body length (cm)65.0 (2)66.6 ± 0.85 (29)
Height at withers (cm)73.5 (2)70.1 ± 0.92 (29)
Chest girth (cm)70.5 (2)71.8 ± 1.02 (29)

ii) Conformation. Medium-sized animals, generally white in body colour, with very well developed udder and large conical teats. Ears are medium-sized; ear length: 16.9 ± 0.4 cm (31). Both sexes have small horns directed backward; horn length: 12.1 ± 0.68 cm (27).

e) Flock structure and performance. Generally kept as one or two animals, essentially stall-fed. The does are good milkers, yielding 2.5 kg per day, on average.

REFERENCES

I. SHEEP

1. Acharya, R.M. Evaluation of native breeds of sheep for wool and mutton and scope 1974 for introduction of exotic inheritance. Indian J. of Genet. 34 A: 945. Paper presented to 2nd General Congress, Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research in Asia and Oceania, New Delhi.

2. AHD, Gujarat. Final report of the scheme for sheep and wool improvement on a regional 1968 basis - dry northern region - Joria. North Gujarat, Patan Dist. Mehsana. Animal Husbandry Department, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

3. AICRP, SB, Avikanagar. Proceedings of the third workshop on All-India coordinated 1975 research project on sheep-breeding, held at Palampur, 13–14 November 1975. Mimeographed. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

4. AICRP, SB, Avikanagar. Proceedings of the fourth workshop on All-India coordinated 1977 research project on sheep-breeding, held at Tirupati Veterinary College, Tirupati, 14–16 April 1977. Mimeographed. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

5. AICRP, SB, Avikanagar. Project coordinator's report presented to fifth workshop on All-India coordinated research project on sheep-breeding, held at Ooty, 20–22 September 1979. Mimeographed. Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

6. AICRP, SB, Dantiwada. Quarterly progress report of the All-India coordinated research 1980 project on sheep-breeding, Gujarat Agricultural University, Dantiwada, Gujarat.

7. Arora, C.L. & Acharya, R.M. Factors affecting growth, carcass yield and wool yield 1972 in Indian breeds of sheep and their crosses. Indian Vet. J. 49: 578–584.

8. Arora, C.L., Acharya, R.M., Bhadashiya, B.S. & Das, N.C. Characterization of Chokla 1975 breed in Rajasthan and future prospects of its improvement. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 45: 345–350.

9. Arora, C.L., Acharya, R.M., Bhadashiya, B.S. & Das, N.C. Characterization of Malpura 1975 breed of Rajasthan and future prospects for its improvement. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 45: 843–848.

10. Arora, C.L., Acharya, R.M., Ramadhar, Singh & Buch, S.D. Characterization of Nali 1975 breed of Rajasthan and future prospects for its improvement. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 45: 849–855.

11. Arora, C.L., Acharya, R.M., Sangoli, B.V. & Nagaraja, M.S. Characterization of 1977 Sonadi breed in Rajasthan and future prospects for its improvement. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 47: 120–125.

12. Balaine, D.S., Singh, J., Acharya, R.M. & Kanaujia, A.S. Postweaning feedlot 1971 performance of Nali and Lohi sheep and their crosses with Nellore and Mandya. Indian Vet. J. 48: 50–58.

13. Bhasin, N.R. & Desai, R.N. Studies on factors affecting the characters concerning 1965 quality of wool fibre in a Chokla flock of sheep. Indian Vet. J. 42: 782–788.

14. Bhasin, N.R. & Desai, R.N. Studies on factors affecting birth weight in Bikaneri 1967 sheep, effect of dam and month of lambing. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. & Animal Husb. 37: 339–346.

15. Bhasin, N.R., Desai, R.N. & Kapri, B.D. Studies on body size in relation to clean 1968 fleece yield in Bikaneri sheep. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. & Animal Husb. 38: 632–644.

16. Bhatnagar, V.S., Seth, O.N. & Pandey, M.D. Age changes in body weight, surface area 1973 and wool yield of Bikaneri (Magra) sheep. Indian Vet. J. 50: 785–788.

17. Bhat, P.N., Khan, B.U., Koul, S.K. & Bhadula, S.K. Breed characteristics of the 1978 Muzzafarnagri sheep. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 48: 506–510.

18. Chandiramani, G.K. Studies on milk yield of Malpura and Sonadi breeds of Rajasthani 1973 sheep. Paper submitted on sheep production and wool technology (postgraduate diploma). Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

19. Chopra, S.C. & Acharya, R.M. A note on non-genetic factors affecting body weights 1971 of Bikaneri sheep (Magra strain). Animal Prod. 13: 349–351.

20. CSWRI, Avikanagar. Annual report for the year 1971. Central Sheep & Wool Research 1971 Insitute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

21. CSWRI, Avikanagar. Annual report for the year 1972. Central Sheep & Wool Research 1972 Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

22. Daflapurkar, B.G., Katpatal, B.G. & Sidhu, N.S. Birth weight studies on crossbred 1976 sheep. Mahavet 2: 107, 109, 111–112 (cited in Animal Breeding Abstracts 45: 232).

23. Dass, G.S. & Acharya, R.M. Growth of Bikaneri sheep. J. of Animal Sci. 31: 1–4. 1970

24. Datta, I.C., Sahni, K.L., Bhatnagar, R.K. & Roy, A. Studies on certain aspects of 1963 sheep and goat husbandry. II: Birth weight, live weight, growth and rearing lambs and kids. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. 33: 71–77.

25. Dave, P.O. Monograph on Patanwadi sheep of Gujarat. Technical bulletin, Directorate 1977 of Animal Husbandry, Gujarat State, Ahmedabad.

26. Dhawan, S.K. Studies on the growth rate of crossbred lambs of Russian Merino ram 1973 with Marwari ewes in comparison with Marwari lambs. Wool & Woollens of India 10: 33–34.

27. Gour, D., Chopra, S.C., Balaine, D.S. & Chhikara, B.S. Pre-weaning and post-weaning 1977 body weights of Nali and Corriedale x Nali lambs. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 47: 534–538.

28. Gupta, R.N., Taylor, C.M., Khanna, R.S. & Bhat, P.N. Genetic and non-genetic factors 1971 affecting birth weight and its relationship with various body weights in Bikaneri sheep. Indian J. of Animal Prod. 2: 34–39.

29. ICAR, New Delhi. Scheme for defining breed characteristics of sheep found in Joria 1961 region of north Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch. Final report, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

30. ICAR, New Delhi. Scheme for defining breed characteristics of sheep found in 1961 Rajasthan. Final report, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

31. Kalra, D.B. A study of fleece characters of Hissardale sheep. M.Sc. thesis. Library, 1964 Punjab Agricultural University, Hissar, Haryana.

32. Koul, S.K. Genetics of reproductive traits and their relationship with blood groups 1980 and body weights in Muzzafarnagri sheep and their crosses. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, Agra University, Agra, U.P.

33. Mahal, G.S. & Pandit, S.K. Factors influencing birth weight in lambs of Bikaneri 1961 sheep. Punjab Veterinarian 1: 11–17.

34. Malik, B.S., Kunzru, O.N. & Dwarkanath, P.K. Relationship of birth weight and 1970 certain body measurements at birth with yearling body weight of Magra lambs. Indian Vet. J. 47: 749–752.

35. Malik, R.C. & Acharya, R.M. Breed differences in pre-weaning and post-weaning 1972 body weights. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 42: 22–27.

36. Mani Mohan. Studies on improvement in productivity of Indian sheep through genetic 1977 engineering (crossbreeding with exotic fine-wool breed). Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, Agra University, Agra, U.P.

37. Nanda, P.N. & Singh, G. Improvement of wool quality and selective breeding in 1948 Bikaneri and Lohi sheep. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. & Animal Husb. 18: 195–201.

38. Nivsarkar, A.E. Selection for maximizing productivity (meat and wool) in Malpura 1979 and Sonadi sheep. Unpublished Ph.D. thesis, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Punjab.

39. Parida, N.K. Studies on age and weight at first breeding and lambing in Malpura and 1979 Sonadi sheep and their crosses with Dorset and Suffolk. Term paper submitted for National Diploma in Sheep and Wool Production, Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

40. Rana, B.S., Shri Ram, Kashmirilal & Balaine, D.S. Studies on breeding behaviour, 1977 birth weights, sex ratio and gestation period in Nali sheep. Indian J. of Animal Prod. 8: 22–24.

41. Sharma, S.K., Bhat, P.N. & Garg, R.C. Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting 1978 pre-weaning body weights in Muzzafarnagri and Corriedale x Muzzafarnagri half-breds. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 48: 177–180.

42. Shukla, R.K. Quantitative genetic studies of some economic traits of sheep breeds 1973 of Gujarat. Unpublished Ph. D. thesis, Gujarat Agricultural University, Gujarat.

43. Singh, B.B. & Singh, M.R. Relative importance of body measurements for body weight 1974 and wool yield of Bikaneri lambs. Indian J. of Animal Health 13: 37–40.

44. Singh, B.P. & Singh, M.R. Relationship of wool yield with age, weight and body 1972 measurements of Bikaneri sheep. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 42: 218–222-

45. Singh, S.K., Sharda, D.P. & Kumar, S. A study of relationship between clean fleece 1962 weight and some characteristics of wool in the fleeces of Bikaneri sheep. Punjab Veterinarian 2: 70–73.

46. Taneja, G.C. Fertility in sheep. I: Conception rate in relation to lamb survival. 1966 Indian Vet. J. 43: 727–734.

47. Taneja, G.C. Variation in body weights of Marwari sheep. Indian Vet. J. 45: 488–499. 1968

48. Tyagi, J.C. The performance of Polworth, Bikaneri and their crosses. Indian Vet. J. 1965 42: 200–204.

49. WRA, Bombay. Final report on the PL 480 project: Evaluation of the characteristics, 1976 processing performance and end use suitability of various Indian wools. Wool Research Association, Bombay.

II. GOATS

1. AHD, Rajasthan. Annual progress report 1974–75, Livestock Field Investigation 1975 Station, Bassi (Jaipur), Rajasthan.

2. AICRP, GB, Karnal. Progress report for the year 1976. Division of Dairy Cattle 1976 Genetics and Breeding, National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Karnal, Haryana.

3. AICRP, GB, Karnal. Progress report for the year 1977, Division of Dairy Cattle 1977 Genetics and Breeding, National Dairy Research Institute (ICAR), Karnal.

4. AICRP, GB, Avikanagar. Annual report 1978, All-India Coordinated Research Project 1978 on Goat for Meat, Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan.

5. AICRP, GB, Avikanagar. Annual report 1979, All-India Coordinated Research Project 1979 on Goat for Meat, Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar.

6. Amble, V.N., Khandekar, N.C. & Garg, J.N. Statistical studies on breeding data of 1964 Beetal goats. ICAR Research Series No. 38, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

7. Barhat, N.K. & Chowdhary, M.S. Factors affecting some production traits in Rajasthani 1978 goats. Indian J. of Dairy Sci. 31: 185–188.

8. Bhandari, D.S. Personal communication. Livestock Field Investigation Station, Bassi, 1976 Jaipur, Rajasthan.

9. Chawla, D.S. & Nath, I. A note on the studies on meat production in goats: effect 1979 of castration on dressed meat production in Beetal and its exotic crosses. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 49: 406–408.

10. Datta, I.C., Sahni, K.L., Bhatnagar, R.K. & Roy, A. Studies on certain aspects of 1963 sheep and goat husbandry. II: Birth weight, live weight, growth and rearing lambs and kids. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. & Animal Husb. 33: 71–77.

11. Dutt, M. A preliminary note on some of the economic characteristics of Barbari goats. 1968 Indian J. of Animal Health 7: 15–18.

12. Johri, C.B. & Talpatra, S.K. Growth studies with Jamnapari goats. I: Early growth 1971 of Jamnapari goats. Indian Vet. J. 48: 389–393.

13. Johri, C.B. & Talpatra, S.K. Growth studies with Jamnapari goats. III: Goat as a 1971 meat-producing animal. Indian Vet. J. 48: 602–604.

14. Khan, B.U. Production performance of Jamnapari goats at National Goat Research 1979 Centre, Makhdoom. Paper presented at Summer Institute on Goat Production, June 1979. National Goat Research Centre, Makhdoom, Farah, Mathura district, U.P.

15. Khan, B.U. & Sahni, K.L. A study of some carcass characteristics in Jamnapari kids. 1979 Indian Vet. Med. J. 3: 77–80.

16. Khan, B.U., Sinha, N.K., Singhal, R.A. & Sahni, K.L. Variability in body weight and 1979 size in Jamnapari kids at birth. Indian J. of Animal Res. 13: 19–22.

17. Mishra, R.R., Bhatnagar, D.S. & Sundaresan, D. Heterosis of various economic traits 1976 in Alpine x Beetal crossbred goats. Indian J. of Dairy Sci. 29: 235–237.

18. Mittal, J.P. A study on mortality of kids. Indian Vet. J. 53: 681–684. 1976

19. Mittal, J.P. A note on the effect of certain growth attributes on milk production 1979 traits in Barbari goat. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 49: 757–759.

20. Nath, I. & Chawla, D.S. A study on birth weights of Beetal, Alpine and Beetal x 1978 Alpine corssbred kids. Indian Vet. J. 55: 306–309.

21. NDRI, Karnal. Annual report 1978, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 1978 Haryana.

22. Prasad, S.P., Roy, A. & Pandey, M.D. Influence of age, body weight, parity and 1971 season on the reproductive performance of Barbari goat. Agra Univ. J. of Res. (Sci.) 20: 31–39.

23. Rai, G.S. & Roy, A. Studies in milk yield of Jamnapari goats in the home tract. 1965 Indian Vet. J. 43: 596–601.

24. Rai, G.S. & Roy, A. Lactational performance of Jamnapari and Barbari goats. 1965 Indian Vet. J. 42: 958–961.

25. RBS College, Bichpuri. Technical progress report, PL 480 Research Project 1978 No. A7-AH-89. Studies on the combining ability of desirable characters of important goat breeds for meat and milk, separately and in combination. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Raja Balwant Singh College, Bichpuri, Agra, U.P.

26. Sahni, K.L., Datta, I.C. & Roy, A. Studies on certain aspects of sheep and goat husbandry. III: Milk secretion capacity of ewes and does. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. & Animal Husb. 33: 89–93.

27. Seth, O.N., Saraswat, K.C., Chorey, P.A., Naithani, S.P. & Roy, A. The effect of 1968 alterations in management practices on kidding percentage and lactational performance of Barbari goats as well as the survival of new-born kids. Indian J. of Vet. Sci. 38: 93–100.

28. Singh, B.B. Study of factors causing variation in birth weight of Jamnapari kids. 1973 Indian Vet. J. 50: 1103–1106.

29. Singh, R.N. Expected genetic advance in milk yield and correlated characters 1969 through selection for milk yield in a flock of Beetal goats. Unpublished M.Sc. thesis, Punjab (now Haryana) Agricultural University, Haryana.

30. Singh, B.B. & Singh, B.P. Performance of Jamnapari goats. Indian Vet. J. 51: 1974 326–332.

31. Singh, C.S.P., Sharma, B.D., Mukherjee, D.K. & Mishra, H.R. A note on some 1979 phenotypic parameters of Jamnapari and Barbari goats. Indian J. of Animal Sci. 49: 762–764.

32. Singh, B., Balaine, D.S., Singh, R.B. & Rathi, S.S. Studies on birth weight, 1975 sex ratio and incidence of singles, twins and triplets in Beetal goats and its crosses with exotic breeds. Indian J. of Animal Prod. 6: 37–40.

33. Srivastava, V.K., Raizada, B.C. & Kulkarni, V. Carcass quality of Barbari and 1968 Jamnpari goats. Indian Vet. J. 45: 219–225.


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