Assessing growth patterns and adaptability of Osmanabadi goats during summer season

The study involving a total of 226 Osmanabadi goats from the Livestock Farm Complex at COVAS & MAFSU sub-center Udgir, along with 60 goats from the field, aimed to analyze the growth and adaptability profiles of these animals over different age groups (0-2, 3-6, 7-11, and 12 months and above).The research was conducted over five years for the farm animals and one year for the field animals.The biometrical parameters like body length, chest girth, height at withers, body weight, and surface area were measured.The physiological responses, viz respiration rate, pulse rate, heart rate, and rectal temperature, were recorded at both levels (i.e., farm and field).The adaptability coefficients, Beneziara Coefficients of Adaptability (BCA), and Iberia Heat Tolerance Coefficients (IHTC) were calculated.It was noticed that the body length, chest circumference, height at withers, body weight, and surface area increased at a faster rate in farm animals compared to field animals across both breeds.The findings for adaptability coefficients revealed that the IHTC indicated some stress in growing animals compared to adults, suggesting that younger animals may be more susceptible to environmental stressors.The findings highlight the differences in growth rates and physiological responses between farm and field environments, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors on the adaptability and performance of Osmanabadi goats.This research can inform management practices to enhance the welfare and productivity of goats in varying conditions