Post-pubertal growth of goats in the Brazilian semi-arid region

Abstract

Thirty SRD female goats, of 16 to 24 months of age, were maintained on native "Caatinga” pastures in the hot tropical semi-arid Northeast Brazil. Their weights were recorded every 28 days for one year, beginning in July. The pattern of growth was non-linear and depended upon the seasonal rainfall and subsequent availability of fodder. The total gain in one year was, more or less, same for heavier and lighter goats and hence the gain per unit of initial body weight was markedly higher for smaller goats.