Non-genetic factors affecting growth traits of sirohi goats under field conditions

Non-genetic factors affecting growth traits were studied using the data on body weights of Sirohi kids born during 2007–2013 in farmers ’flocks. The overall least-squares means for body weight at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 2.55±0.05, 13.30±0.47, 16.96±0.52, 20.98±1.05 and 25.80±0.49 kg, respectively. Body weights at different ages were significantly (P ? 0.01) affected by sire, cluster, year of birth, type of birth and sex of kids. Season had significant (P ? 0.01) effect on body weight at 3, 9 and 12 months of age. At 3 months, body weight was significantly (P ? 0.01) higher in winter-born kids. The regressions on dam's weight at kidding were positive and significant (P ? 0.01) for the weights at birth, 3 (P<0.01) and 12 months of age (P ? 0.05). The heritability estimates of body weights ranged from 0.318±0.063 for birth weight to 0.693±0.115 for 3 months body weight indicating scope of further improvement through selection and effective management practices.