Comparative growth analysis of pure Barbari, Boer and their crossbred progeny in an intensive production system

This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance of purebred Barbari goats, purebred Boer goats, and their crossbred progeny (F1: 50% Boer × Barbari; F2: 75% Boer) under intensive management to assess the potential of strategic crossbreeding for meat trait enhancement. A total of 24 Barbari does were randomly allocated into two groups: one mated with Barbari bucks (control) and the other with Boer bucks to produce F1 progeny. Female F1 progeny were further backcrossed with Boer bucks to obtain the F2 generation. Growth performance was assessed at birth, weaning (4 months), 8 months, and 12 months. Parameters measured included body weight and average daily weight gain (ADG), with statistical analysis conducted to determine group-wise differences. At 12 months, purebred Boer kids exhibited the highest performance, with males and females averaging 44.87?±?5.75?kg and 40.67?±?5.77?kg, respectively, and ADG of 118.44?g/day and 102.86?g/day. F2 crossbreds showed significantly improved growth over F1 and Barbari groups, with males and females reaching 37.69?±?3.09?kg and 34.33?±?2.96?kg, and corresponding ADG of 98.03?g/day and 86.72?g/day. F1 progeny exhibited intermediate performance, while pure Barbari goats demonstrated the lowest growth rates. The results underscore the efficacy of Boer × Barbari crossbreeding, particularly through backcrossing with Boer bucks, as a viable genetic improvement strategy to enhance meat productivity. The superior performance of F2 progeny supports their potential for establishing a high-growth meat goat population adapted to Indian production systems.