Evidence for a Possible Influence of Sire Breed on Reproductive and Progeny Performance in Kiko Meat Goats (Capri hircus)

The main objective of this research was to investigate the effects of different sire types (Boer vs. Kiko) on reproductive performance of purebred Kiko dams as well as growth and health performance of their offspring. The study used a total of 19 Kiko does, 11 of which were bred to Kiko bucks and 8 to Boer bucks. Findings demonstrate individual breed combination prolificacy values of (1.9 vs.1.75 kids/doe) for the Kiko Sired Group and Boer Sired group respectively. There were non-significant sire differences for gestation length (150.38 ± 2.66 vs. 147.64 ± 3.108 days, P = 0.06) for Boer and Kiko sires respectively. Weights of Kiko dams assigned to Boer and Kiko sires at breeding were similar (45.63 ± 10.17 vs. 42.39 ± 6.91, kg, P = 0.41). At weaning, dams breed to Boer and Kiko sire weighed the same (52.77 ± 14.64 and 42.76 ± 7.13, kg, P = 0.10). Litter size at birth and at weaning did not differ among sire breed (1.75 ± 0.46, P= 0.37 vs. 1.90 ± 0.30 and 1.50 ± 0.53 vs. 1.75 ± 0.46, P = 0.33) respectively. Boers sired kids were significantly heavier at birth but not at weaning (3.41 ± 0.48 vs. 2.78 ± 0.53 kg, P = 0.001 and 13.82 ± 2.78 vs. 12.43 ± 3.47 kg, P = 0.26). Non- significant differences were observed for ADG (0.15 ± 0.03 vs. 0.13 ± 0.03 kg/d) for Boer and Kiko sired kids respectively. Pre-weaning mortality rates were 69% and 73% for Kiko and Boer sired kids, respectively. Overall, there were no consistent differences in reproductive and progeny performance traits between the main sire types used in this project. Because variation within sire type is greater than variation between sire types, genetic selection should concentrate on determining the best sires within each breed type.