Growth Performance in Purebred Gogo and Crossbred Goats at TALIRI Kongwa, Tanzania

This study assessed the growth performance of purebred Gogo goats and Boer × Gogo crossbred kids kept at TALIRI Kongwa. The study used secondary data collected over the period of 10 years from 2011 to 2021. The data comprised 338 F1 goats (168 males and 170 females) and 189 pure Gogo white goats (89 males and 100 females). Data was analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS software. The results showed that Boer × Gogo crosses were significantly heavier than Gogo White at birth, weaning, 52, and 72 days of age. Weights at birth were 2.26 ± 0.03kg for Boer × Gogo compared to 1.95 ± 0.03kg for Gogo White. At weaning, the weights were 9.57 ± 0.12 vs 8.36 ± 0.15kg, and at 52 weeks, the weights were 22.12 ± 0.16 vs 16.94 ± 0.26kg. At 72 weeks, the weights were 24.88 ± 0.24kg compared to 19.70 ± 0.24kg for Boer ×Gogo and Gogo White, respectively. Furthermore, the analysis revealed a significant influence of sex on growth performance at various stages. Males consistently outperformed females in weight measurements. Birth type significantly influenced growth performance, with kids born single being heavier than those born as twins at birth and weaning stages (2.24 ± 0.03kg vs. 1.88 ± 0.04kg and 9.49 ± 0.12kg vs. 8.15 ± 0.16kg, respectively). Additionally, the season had a notable effect on growth performance, and goats born during the wet season were generally heavier than those born during the dry season at all growth stages. Goats born in 2016 were much heavier at every stage of growth. The study suggests that performance evaluation of goats should take into account the breed and other environmental factors prior to recommending the appropriate breed or cross to be raised under prevailing conditions.