Study on the Effects of Non-Genetic Factors on the Growth and Development Traits and Cashmere Traits of Northwest Xizang White Cashmere Goats

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of non-genetic factors on the growth and development traits and cashmere traits of Northwest Xizang White Cashmere Goats (NXWCG). The traits studied include body weight at different stages, body size traits and cashmere related traits..The records of 926 goats produced by 26 rams and 874 ewes from 2019 to 2023 were studied, which were collected from the NXWCG Original Breeding Farm in Ritu County, Ngari region, Xizang Autonomous Region, fit the corresponding analysis model by analysis of variance(ANOVA), in order to study the effects of non-genetic factors such as birth year (Y) on the growth and development of cashmere goats and cashmere traits. The results showed that birth year, birth month, birth type, sex and corresponding to the age of ewe lambing had significant effects on birth weight and weaning weight of NXWCG (p<0.05). Birth year, birth type sex, and age of the goat significantly affected the wool length, cashmere length, and cashmere yield of NXWCG (p<0.05). This study not only lays the foundation for determining fixed effects necessary for the scientific breeding and genetic evaluation of the NXWCG, but also provides guidance for its production management.