Survey on the reproductive performance of crossbred goats F1 (Boer × Bach Thao) and growth rate in Long Duc commune, Tra Vinh province
The experiment was conducted a survey the reproductive performance of crossbred goats F1(Boer × BT) and the growth and health status of the crossbred goat herd at 8 households in Long Duc commune, Tra Vinh province. A total of 40 female goats F1(Boer × BT), 4 Boer male goats, and 121 kids aged from birth to 6 months were involved. The results showed that the first estrous age, first pregnancy age, gestation period, litter spacing and fertilization rate were 239±13.6 days, 292±14.4 days, 149±1.8 days, 245±12.5 days, and 75% respectively. The mean litter size at birth was 1.61±0.52. The weight of crossbred goats F2 (Boer × BT) at birth, 3 months, and 6 months of age was 2.72±0.41 kg, 13.4±1.13 kg, and 23.5±1.16 kg, respectively. Daily weight gain from birth to 3 month, 3 month to 6 months of age were 119.1±14.1 g, and 111.8±18.7 g, respectively. The survival rate from birth to 3 months was 88.4%, which was lower than the rate from 3 to 6 months of age at 94.2%. The incidence of pneumonia was highest in the period from birth to 3 months (23.1%) and from 3 to 6 months of age (14.0%). Crossbred goats F2 (Boer × BT) have high reproductive performance, good weight gain, and a high survival rate. However, they are prone to pneumonia from the birth stage to three months of age, so it is important to pay attention to care and pneumonia prevention to improve goat farming efficiency.
