Assessment of FecB mutation and effect of birth type on performance of goats

Abstract Prolificacy is of key interest in goat ( Capra hircus ). This study aims to understand the genetic basis of prolificacy and compare performance of kids born in single and multiple litters. A total of 79 Blood in EDTA samples were collected from Khari, Boer and Boer Crosses. PCR followed by gel-electrophoresis and sequencing in both directions was done to screen for A746G mutation in Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor 1B (BMPR1B) gene. Farm records from July 2018 to March 2023 were collected and data was analyzed using Harvey Mixed Model Computer Program (1990) and Least Square Mean (LSM) was compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). All goats were wild homozygotes of FecB. Boer had highest incidence of multiple births (43.86%) followed by Boer Cross (28.74) and Khari (26.53%). Birth type had significant effect on weight traits till 6 months of age. Singlet demonstrated significantly higher daily gain during pre-weaning period. Single and multiple litters weighted 10.86±0.40 kg and 16.91±0.45 kg respectively at weaning. Since performances were independent of FecB, this SNP cannot be applied as marker for selection. Though single-born has better weight and daily gain performances, multiple litters have higher cumulative production.