33 Breed, age and sex factors influencing body weight and measurements in Azad Jammu and Kashmir goat breeds.

A field study was carried out in breeding tracts of five goat breeds of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) viz. Jattal, Buchi, Kooti, Lambri and Bairli to study the effect of breed, age and sex on body weight and body measurements. Project staff under field conditions in Kotly, Muzafrabad, Neelum Valley and Mirpur districts of AJK recorded data of body measurements and weight. Body measurements i.e. heart girth, height, length, chest length, pubic bone length and live body weight were taken. Data were arranged according to age, sex and breed and analyzed using Mixed Procedure by REML methodology in SAS version 9.2. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) of height between Buchi and Kooti (69.28 ± 1.46 VS 75.67 ± 1.22) and Kooti and Bairli (75.67 ± 1.22 VS 70.12 ± 1.25). There was a significant effect of age on all the body measurement and body weight (P < 0.0001). Overall male goats showed higher values for all body measurements and weight than female except for pubic bone. Lambri goat showed highest body weight followed by Jattal, Bairli, Kooti and Buchi. The current study, for the first time, has documented variations in body measurements and weight influenced by age, sex and breed among AJK goat breeds. The results from the present study have useful implications for launching any selection program in region to improve meat production in future. Key Words: