Pre-weaning growth performance of F1 and F2 Katjang-Boer crossbreds fed formulated creep feed
2020
Shanmugavelu S. | Predith M. | Mohamad Hifzan R. | Mohd Hafiz A.W.
The local indigenous Katjang goat is highly prolific but has a small body size and poor growth performance compared to exotic breeds such as the Boer of South Africa. The need for an improved local breed to cater for local market led to a crossbreeding program between Boer and Katjang goats implemented through the 11th Malaysia Development Project. The objective of this study was to describe the pre-weaning growth performance of the F1 and F2 crosses of Katjang and Boer (KxB) goats fed diets formulated to meet their requirements. A total of 13 F1 K x B kids (6 males and 7 females) from the mating of selected purebred Boer females with Katjang males, were kept with their dams and fed formulated creep feed ad libitum. Following that, a total of 21 F2 K x B kids (12 males and 9 females) were sourced from the inter se mating program of selected F1 KxB goats. The weaning weight at 16 weeks for F1 was lower at 11.47 ± 3.92 kg compared to the F2 at 12.76 ± 3.27 kg, which indicated better performance of the F2 through inter se breeding however no significant difference were found. The lower feed intake in F2 compared to F1 also suggests better feed conversion ratio. Overall, the study demonstrated the improvements in the performance of the F2 via inter se mating and therefore certifying the objectives of the crossbreeding program.
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