Evaluation of the productive and reproductive qualities of dairy goats of different breeds using interbreeding in the conditions of Kazakhstan

Abstract

Abstract
Background and Aim. The development of dairy goat farming in Kazakhstan is one of the priority areas of the agro-industrial sector. In recent years, increasing productivity through crossbreeding imported high-yielding breeds with local genotypes has become a relevant issue. However, the effects of different breed combinations on productivity traits and growth performance have not been sufficiently studied. The objective of this study is to conduct a comparative evaluation of milk productivity of dairy
goats with different genotypes and the growth rate of their offspring when using crossbreeding under the conditions of Kazakhstan.
Materials and Methods. The study was conducted under farm conditions. The experimental group included local goats as well as crossbred animals obtained by mating them with foreign dairy breeds.
Milk productivity was calculated based on the 7-month lactation period. Milk fat and protein contents were determined using standard laboratory methods. The live weight of kids was measured at birth and at the ages of 1, 3, and 6 months, and the average daily gain was calculated. The obtained data were processed using methods of variational statistical analysis.
Results. According to the research results, the live weight of dairy bucks ranged from 59.2 to 75.0 kg, while that of dairy does ranged from 49.4 to 55.3 kg. Milk yield over a 7-month lactation period varied between 400 and 519 kg, with an average daily milk production of 1.9–2.5 kg. The obtained
indicators met the minimum requirements established for dairy goats.
According to the research findings, the live weight of female kids at 4 months of age ranged from 21.8 to 23.6 kg, while that of male kids ranged from 23.0 to 29.4 kg. By the age of 8 months, these values increased to 31.7–34.0 kg and 34.8–38.7 kg, respectively. A positive correlation was identified between live weight and milk productivity (+0.159), as well as between milk productivity and protein
content in milk (+0.053 to +0.198). The results indicate that goat productivity depends not only on breed characteristics but also on feeding and management conditions.
Conclusion. Under the natural and climatic conditions of Kazakhstan, crossbreeding is an effective approach to increasing milk productivity and growth rates of dairy goats. The results of this study can be recommended for use in the development of breeding improvement programs for dairy goat farming.