Seasonal behavioral characteristics and meat productivity of Altai Mountain goats in the Northeastern region of Kazakhstan

This study examines the impact of seasonal behavioral characteristics on the meat productivity of Altai Mountain goats under the natural-climatic and pasture-feeding conditions of Agrofirm LLP Akzhar Ondiris in the Pavlodar region. An analysis of seasonal variations in goat behavior revealed that during the summer, the grazing duration reaches its peak, amounting to 13 hours per day. Additionally, the demand for drinking water increases significantly in the summer season, with animals spending approximately two hours near watering troughs. In contrast, during the winter period, the goats primarily remain in enclosures and are fed hay-based diets, with confinement lasting 15 hours per day, whereas active pasture grazing is reduced to seven hours. The spring‒autumn period, depending on the rainy season, is characterized by a more balanced distribution of time between grazing, resting, and watering. The Altai Mountain cashmere goats exhibit well-developed musculature, a massive body structure, and a strong skeletal frame. The live weight of goats aged 2–2.5 years averages 39.4 kg (Cv=7.59%), whereas for breeding bucks, this indicator is significantly greater at 71.3 kg (Cv=1.32%), indicating high genetic and phenotypic stability. Experimental slaughter analysis revealed a meat yield of 41.8%, with a carcass yield of 38.8% and a meat-to-bone ratio of 3.1, demonstrating an optimal proportion of lean meat to bones. The melting point of the fat was recorded at 47.5°C, the longissimus muscle area was 10.5 cm², and the subcutaneous fat thickness was 0.84 mm. The findings of this study can be utilized to optimize pasture-based feeding strategies, improve selective breeding programs, and enhance overall goat management and breeding systems in the harsh continental climate of northeastern Kazakhstan.