Regression Equations To Predict Mature Weight of Different Breeds of Goats (Capra hircus) Based on External Body Measurements

Orville  L. Bondoc,; John Daniel  P. Tec,; Ivy Amor  F. Lambio,; Beatriz  R. Garcia,; Elizabeth  D. Beltran,

Regression Equations To Predict Mature Weight of Different Breeds of Goats (Capra hircus) Based on External Body Measurements

Orville L. Bondoc | John Daniel P. Tec | Ivy Amor F. Lambio | Beatriz R. Garcia | Elizabeth D. Beltran

Discipline: Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science

Abstract:

Simple regression analyses of a large data set revealed that the best predictor of mature body weight of goats is midriff girth for Native (R2=.97) and Boer breeds (R2=.95), body length for the Anglo Nubian (R2=.96), and heart girth for the F1 (Nubian x Native) cross (R2=.95). Because of the relatively low R2 values (and high Cp statistics), head length and head width are considered as poor predictors of mature body weight in goats.

Multiple regression equations were also developed and recommended for use in Native goats (black, brown or mixed color). An extra degree of accuracy can however, be attained when adding available external body measurements in the multiple regression equations is applied to the Anglo Nubian, Boer, and Fl (Nubian x Native) cross.

In the absence of a weighing scale on-farm, the regression equations presented in this study offer a practical and reliable alternative to predict mature body weight of goats known to belong to a particular breed group.