Comparison of Growth and Development Characteristics of Hair and Damascus Kids Reared under Extensive Conditions

Abstract

The present study aimed to compare the growth and the development of Hair and Damascus kids reared under extensive conditions. The body weights of Damascus goats were significantly higher than that of the Hair goats during the 360 days growth period (P < 0.05; P<0.001). Body weight was influenced by birth type only at birth and on the 360th day of the growth period, and single-birth kids had higher values than twin-born kids (P < 0.05). Exceptfor the 120th day of the growth period, the body weight of kids born in dam age group III was higher than that of kids born in the other dam age groups (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001). The breed effect was markedly observed after the 120th day of the growth period concerning body measurements especially chest depth, rump height, and body length. Damascus goats were significantly higher than that in the Hair goats for these traits (P < 0.001). It can be suggested that comparative studies containing the entire growth period should be conducted on other indigenous goat breeds (Angora, Honamlı, Kilis, and Norduz goat breeds) and to demonstrate the growth and development characteristics of these breeds.