Impact of Crossbreeding Sahelian x Anglo-Nubian Goats on Growth Performance and Morphobiometric Characteristics of Kids in the Sahelian Zone

Abstract

Goat genetic resources are one of the main agropastoral resources of West African countries. They play a key role in the fight against poverty and food insecurity. However, the productivity of these resources remains low on most farms. The aim of the study was to improve the growth performance of goats by crossbreeding Sahelian goat (SG) with Anglo-Nubian (AN) crossbred. Thus, the experiment carried out from 2010 to 2016, involved three genetic types of goats (SG, ½AN and ¾AN) raised in a semi-intensive system. In addition to grazing, the herds were supplemented with concentrates (cottonseed cake and wheat bran). Birth weight at 12 and 24 months of age and morphobiometric measurements were collected and analyzed using R 4.0.5 software. The average birth weights of ½AN (2.65±0.54 kg) and ¾AN (2.53±0.55 kg) kids were higher (p < 0.05) than those of SG (2.39±0.5 kg). Also, at 24 months of age, the adults of ½AN (43.3± 13.6 kg) and ¾AN (37.130±8.6 kg) crossbreds were heavier (p < 0.001) than those of SG (26.7±4.4 kg). Ultimately, the resulting crossbreds have very promising potential that can be used to strengthen meat production in the Sahelian zone.