Genetic Analysis of Malkangiri Goats in its Native Tract

Background: In the present study, genetic analysis of Malkangiri goat, a native goat population of southern Odisha is made. Methods: The present study area was under south eastern ghat agro climatic zones in Odisha. These goat type is raised under semi-intensive system of management with a flock size ranging from 5 to 35. The body weight and some biometric traits were recorded from birth to 12 months at an interval of 3 months. Estimation of heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlation also were reported in this research article. Result: Overall body weight of this goat type were found to be 16.31±0.17 kg with height of 57.44±0.50 cm at marketable weight of 12 months. The heritability estimate of body weight was recorded as 0.19±0.13 and 0.22±0.15, respectively at birth and 12 month of age. The heritability estimates of HW, BL, HG and PG at 12 month of age were 0.13, 0.32, 0.22, 0.13, respectively. The genetic correlation among the body weight and body measurement traits ranged from 0.21 to 0.91, whereas, the phenotypic correlation range from 0.18 to 0.52 at 12 month of age. This information on the genetic analysis may be helpful in developing further breed improvement strategies and conservation.