Some morphological characteristics, growth performance and survival rate in Gurcu goat kids

In this study, the growth performance, some morphological traits, and survival rate of Gurcu goat kids were investigated. The study consisted of 40 Gurcu kids monitored for nine months. Dam age (DA) affected only birth weight, while sex and birth type (BT) were effective from days 90 and 15, respectively. The average live weights of Gurcu kids at birth, and at day 90, and day 270 were 2.49 kg, 24.7 kg, and 32.9 kg, respectively. Sex (from 165 days) and BT (from 45 days) influenced body length. Both sex and BT affected withers height at several stages of growth, whereas sex had a stronger effect on rump height. The effect of DA on chest depth was significant between birth and 30 days of age, and BT significantly affected chest circumference after 60 days. The effect of sex on head length was significant from day 60, and that of BT from day 75 (including day 15). After 60 days, both sex and BT influenced forehead length. Birth type had a stronger effect on testicular measurements than DA, particularly on scrotal volume, which was affected at almost all stages of growth. Strong correlations were found between live weight and measured morphological traits. The overall survival rate of Gurcu goat kids was 88.09%. In conclusion, the effect of DA on the studied traits was limited, whereas sex and BT had more pronounced influences. Male and single-born kids were more advantageous in terms of growth and several morphological characteristics.