Comparative Study to Estimate Weights at Typical Preweaning Ages of Creole Meat-Type Goats

Abstract

A model, in which weight and growth performances of suckling ruminants are recorded, is necessary when setting up a breeding program. In France, such a model was developed for sheep, but not for suckling goats. In this study, the standard methodology used for meat-type sheep was applied to the robust Creole goats of French Antilles. Growth data up to weaning of 6211 kids were used; the data had been recorded for nearly 20 years at the experimental farm of Gardel in Guadeloupe. Various methods for weight estimation were tested at the typical ages of 10, 30 and 70 days and compared to the standard method developed for suckling lambs in France. Finally, the variability of growth performances was specified and the first elements to test Creole goat growth were determined. Conditions and limitations of the models applied to Creole goats are discussed.