Characterization of Brazilian native goat types I.Biometric parameters and carcass weight

Abstract

The carcass characteristics of adult female goats of the Marota, Moxotó and Non-descript (SRD) types, were evaluated. A group of 70 animals were maintained in confinement and another group of 36 animals in native pastures, for a period of 24 months. Confined animals received an average of 375 g/head/day of a mixture of corn grain and cotton meal (16% crude protein), and elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) "ad libitum". Both groups were given a 1:1 ratio of bone meal and sodium chloride "ad libitum". The treatment effect was significant (P < 0.01) for corrected live weight parameter (live weight minus gastro-intestinal contents, PVC) suggesting that PVC is a better criteria for comparison. The type of breed effect was significant for animal length (P <0.01), thigh circumference, and fat weight (P < 0.05). The treatment effect showed to be significant for animal length, anterior depth, carcass yield, carcass length, fat weight (P <0.001), and carcass weight (P < 0.05). The Interaction was significant (P < 0.05) for animal height and leg length. The covariable was significant (P < 0.0001) for all parameters analysed. Confined animal were heavier than the ones maintained on native pastures.