To study the body weight with body condition score & body measurements in Surati Goat

Introduction

Goats play a pivotal role in the rural economy, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, where their adaptability to harsh environments ensures a sustainable livelihood for smallholder farmers. Globally and nationally, goat populations have increased significantly due to their contribution to meat, milk, skin, and fiber production. In India, the 20th Livestock Census (2019) [3] reported a population of 148.88 million goats, a 10.1% increase from 135.7 million recorded in 2012. In addition to this, the goats contribute approximately 35% of total meat production and 3.5% of milk production (Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, 2019). The Surti goat, a dual-purpose breed native to South Gujarat, is valued for its superior meat and milk quality. In Dhule district of Maharashtra, goat numbers reached 332,041 in 2019, of which only 5.44% (18,089) were pure or graded breeds, while 94.55% (313,952) were nondescript. Within pure breeds, the Surti goat accounted for a relatively higher proportion (27.58%) compared to other breeds (Livestock Census, 2019) [3] . However, challenges such as lack of weighing facilities hinder accurate economic valuation. Body Condition Scoring offers a practical, low-cost method for assessing goat condition, improving feeding strategies, and ensuring fair market pricing. Body Condition Scoring (BCS) provides a practical, low-cost tool for assessing nutritional status and productivity potential, especially in regions where weighing scales are unavailable. Accordingly research was planned to study the body weight with body condition score & body measurements in goat particular in Surati Goat.

Methodology

The present study was conducted over a period from November 2024 to March 2025.

Initial observations were carried out on a pilot basis to familiarize the researchers with the observational methods. The same herds were subsequently revisited to gather data for documentation. This research focused on the selection of the Surti breed of goats. True types of animals were selected as per the description given by NBAGR, Karnal, Haryana. In this study, only adult animals of either sex that were more than one year old were included. Animals that were ill, had physical defects, or were otherwise unsuitable for observation were not utilized, even if they were part of the herd during the observation period. BCS scoring was conducted on a scale of 1 to 5, focusing on the lumbar region, rib cage, and sternal region. Surti goats are mainly located in Gujarat State and Khandesi region of Maharashtra state, with data collected from goats maintained by farmers in Dhule district. Data concerning 200 Surti goats was collected and the age of each animal was evaluated on dentition as per method established by Mitchell (1982) [7] and organized accordingly. Weight was measured and accurately grouped. Body measurements was taken, and body condition scores was assessed visually. In addition to this the Body measurements for each animal were conducted with a flexible tape measure while the animals were at rest. No distinction was made between pregnant and open does due to the uncertainty of their pregnancy status. The animals were positioned on all fours in a calm and relaxed manner, and measurements were recorded consistently. Data was recorded on a specifically designed collection sheet and prepared for statistical analysis.

Results and Discussion

The results emerged out of the analysis of collected empirical facts from the present study with relevant discussion there on has been presented as underneath. [10] ; Patel et al., 2017 [9] on Surti and other indigenous goat breeds, where moderate to good body condition and well-developed morphometric traits were reported.

The average body measurements and body condition score, along with their SE

Average along with SE of body measurements and body condition score distributed as per sex of the animals:

The data were categorized into two groups based on the sex of the animals, namely male (38) and female (162). [9] also supported the presence of sexual dimorphism in Surti and other indigenous goat breeds.

Average along with SE of body measurements and body condition score distributed as per age of the animals:

The age of the animals was assessed through the dentition method. Accordingly, goats are categorized as three age groups of goats i.e. Group A (1 to 2 years), Group B (2 to 3 years) and Group C (3 < years). [5] , who noted strong age-related increases in body measurements and fat reserves in goats. The low standard errors reflect reliable measurements and limited variability, strengthening the validity of these findings. The distribution of animals across different body condition scores (BCS) varied depending on the assessment method used, BCS-L, BCS-R, and BCS-S. At score 1, which is typically reflects poor body condition and the highest number of goats (42) were identified using the sternum method, suggesting its effectiveness in detecting under conditioned animals. As the score increased to 2, all three methods showed a rise in animal count, with BCS-S identifying the highest (72), followed by BCS-R (63) and BCS-L (50), which indicating a large proportion of goats in moderate condition. Notably, at score 3, the BCS-L method recorded the highest number of animals (82), it indicating that the lumbar-side assessment may be more sensitive in detecting wellconditioned goats. However, a sharp decline was observed at score 4 across all methods, especially in BCS-S (27), signifying that the fewer animals reached the highest condition score. These variations highlight the methodological differences in BCS assessment, where BCS-S appears more responsive at lower scores, while BCS-L is more prominent at higher scores. This emphasizes the importance of using multiple anatomical viewpoints for a more comprehensive evaluation of body condition in goats. Our findings aligned with the Atta & El Khidir (2004) [1] and Chilliard et al. (2005) [2] , who recommended multiple-site BCS evaluations for improved accuracy in small ruminants.

Distribution of Surti goat per body condition score

Conflict of Interest Not available

Financial Support

References

1. Atta M, El Khidir OA. Use of heart girth, wither height and scapuloischial length for prediction of live weight of Nilotic sheep. Small Rumin Res. 2004;55:233-237. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2003.12.008
2. Chilliard Y, Bocquier F, Doreau M. Digestive and metabolic adaptations of ruminants to undernutrition, and consequences on reproduction. Reprod Nutr Dev. 2005;38(2):131-52. https://doi.org/10.1051/rnd:19980201
3. Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying. 20th Livestock Census. New Delhi: Government of India; 2019.
4. Malaviya DJ, Bansode P, Patel R. Evaluation of body condition score in relation to physiological stages in goats. Indian J Anim Res. 2022;56(5):678-83.
5. Malaviya DJ, Maheta PJ, Damor AB. A study on the determination of body condition score and somatic cell count in Surti goats. Pharma Innov J. 2022;11(12):825827.
6. Malaviya DJ, Mehta PJ, Damor AB, Patel MD. Trends in body condition scoring during lactation in twin and single bearing goats. Int J Livest Res. 2022;12(4):56-63.
7. Mitchell T. How to tell the age of goats. Agfact. 1982;A7(2).
8. Patel AK, Patel JB, Patel JS, Bhakat C. Physical body traits and morphometric measurements of Surti goats under field condition in middle Gujarat. J Anim Res. 2017;7(3):479-84.
9. Singh R, Sharma RK, Tomar SS. Morphometric characteristics and their relationship with body weight in Surti goats under field conditions. Indian J Small Rumin. 2015;21(2):265-268.