Phenotypic Characterization of Zokel Goat: A Lesser Known Caprine Genetic Resource of Mizoram, India

Background: The current study aims to assess the management techniques, phenotypic variability, morphometric characteristics and performance traits of the Zokel indigenous goat of Mizoram. This documentation is crucial for breed registration and the conservation of the breed via suitable breeding programs. Methods: A comprehensive investigation was conducted, involving a sample of 300 indigenous goats gathered from 64 villages. Goat rearing farmers often rely on natural grazing and locally available forages as the primary nutrition source for their herds. Various physical and biometric traits were recorded at different ages for the phenotypic characterization of the goats. These traits included body weight, body length, chest girth, height at withers, horn length, ear length and tail length, which were measured to assess the overall physical development and variations within the herd. The data were collected following the prescribed format recommended by the ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetics Resources, Karnal, for breed characterization. The collected data were then analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. Result: Zokel goats were found to have a small to medium body size (90-95%) and a short stature with a cylindrical body shape. The body colour of Zokel varied in different colors, which included white (45-58%), black (27-33%), brown (6-12%) and a mixed color (7-11%). Foreheads were narrower, straight and somewhat depressed in the middle (92-96%), whereas 2-5 percent had flattened and straight foreheads. Female goats have small horns with black and brown (90-93%), grey (2-6%) and mixed color (1-5%) and a little curve and slight bend at the ends upwards and backwards. Ears were small to moderate in size and oriented horizontally or drooping in a few cases. The average body length, chest girth, height at wither, horn length, ear length and tail length were 57.34±0.75 cm, 72.12±0.32 cm, 50.80±0.51 cm, 8.89±1.03 cm, 13.97±0.21 cm and 17.78±0.11 cm, respectively. The measurements of all morphometric traits were higher than the Assam Hill goats. The reproductive data indicates age at first mating, viz., 225.2±8.04 days and higher kidding intervals, i.e., 232.5±8.09 days. The results indicated that the Zokel goats showed comparable physical and morphometric traits but significant variations in proportions of these attributes compared to the other goat breeds.