Evaluation of pre-weaning growth performances of Begait and Maefur goat types in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted primarily to investigate the early growth performance of the Begait and Maefur indigenous goat populations in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of genetic and non-genetic factors on the growth performance of newborn kids of Maefur and Begait goat genotypes. This study employed on-farm goat flock monitoring, targeting one hundred and three (103) household goat flocks (51 from Erob; 52 from K/Humera) were regularly visited in the respective study areas. The study used purposely selected 309 does (186 from Begait; 123 from Maefur), which were at a late pregnancy stage. Accordingly, about 362 newborn kids (236 from Begait and 126 from Maefur) were evaluated under local flock management (free grazing at daytime). Multivariate analysis of variance and descriptive statistics were performed using the R software package (version 3.4.2). The results indicated that the effect of goat genotype resulted in kids from Begait superior (P<0.05) at birth (3.2 kg) and weaning (10.6 kg) with average daily gain (ADG) of 88.7 g to Maefur kids. Male kids were superior (P<0.001) at birth and weaning with higher (P<0.001) ADG than female kids as observed within both kid genotypes. The current study revealed that kids born single were heavier (P < 0.001) at birth, and weaning with higher (P<0.001) ADG than kids born as twins. The non-genetic factors, such as the sex of the kids, birth type, season of birth, and dam age, significantly (P<0.001) affected the growth performance traits (weight at birth, weaning, and ADG) of the newborn kids. This study was the first attempt to compare pre-weaning growth performance of the Begait and Maefur newborn kids. In conclusion, both kid genotypes displayed complementary growth traits that can enhance meat production strategies, contributing more effectively to food security across the region.