**6. Physical characteristics**

#### **6.1 Coat colour pattern**

Osmanabadi goats have different coat colour patterns. According to the colour and presence or absence of horns, Osmanabadi goats were classified into five types. There is no specific name for these types, except Kali (Black), Morkani (White spotted ear), Hondi (Polled). The distribution of goats in surveyed area revealed that S1 (Kali) was 62.16%, S3 (Hondi) 17.12%, S2 (Morkhani) 10.68%, S4 (Hondi Morkani) 3.09% and proportion of remaining goats having different colour combinations i.e. S5 was 6.95%, [7].

Thus the majority of Osmanabadi goat population was comprised of breed sub-type S1 and S3 (79.28%); while the proportion of breed sub-types S2 and S4 was comparatively negligible than the first two subtypes. The breed sub-type S5 might be developed due to the admixture of different coat colours and breed combination in the population. The eyelids and hooves of Osmanabadi goat was 100% black for all categories of goats studied. Prakash and Balain [7] reported that the common colour of Osmanabadi goat was black and a mixture of white and black or red. Similarly, Ruben [12] reported that the coat colour of Osmanabadi goats was complete black or mixture of black and brown colour. Anonymous [13] recorded the distribution of Osmanabadi goats according to different breed sub-types in three districts and reported 82.60, 11.19, 2.67, 0.75 and 2.84 percent of the goats in the respective five breed sub-types.

The colour of muzzle was found black in 100% goats under survey. Deokar *et al*. [14], Verma *et al*. [15], Kumar *et al*. [16] and Kuralkar *et al*. [17] also observed the black colour of muzzle in Osmanabadi, Gohilwadi, Kutchi and Berari goats, respectively. It was observed that eyelids and hooves colour in Osmanabadi goat was 100% black for all categories of goat studied. Deokar *et al*. [14] reported black colour of eyelids and hooves in Osmanabadi goats, while, Deokar *et al*. [18] reported white colour of eyelids in Sangamneri goats and white (69.12%) and black (30.88%) hooves in Sangamneri goats.

#### **6.2 Horn pattern**

Horns were noticed in both the sexes in majority (79.54%) of Osmanabadi goats while 20.46% goats were polled, [7]. The 100% Osmanabadi goat had grey

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*The Reproductive Performance of Native Osmanabadi Goat of India*

colour of horns. The length of horns in adult goats averaged to 7.48 + 0.52 cm. Osmanabadi goats had straight horn (64.40%), while, 35.60% had curved horn, [7]. The orientation of horn was mostly backward (48.55%) followed by upward (44.17%) and very less downward (7.28%) orientation. Presence of horns in both the sexes was also reported in Osmanabadi goat [14], Sangamneri goat [18], Jakhrana goat [8] and Surti goat [19]. The straight horn was reported by Motghare *et al.* [20] and Deokar *et al*. [14] in Osmanabadi as 67.17% and 98.57%, respectively, Deokar *et al*. [18] in Sangamneri (30.68%) and Deshpande *et al*. [21] in Surti (52.45%) goats. Kumar *et al*. [16] reported curved horn in Kutchi goats, while, Verma *et al*. [15] reported slightly twisted type horn in Gohilwadi goats. Motghare *et al.* [20] reported orientation of the horns in Osmanabadi goat was mostly upward (100%). Deokar *et al*. [14] reported maximum percentage had backward orientation (55.22%) followed by upward (36.40%) and only 8.38% had

The ear orientation of Osmanabadi goat was pendulous (drooping) with medium length (14.90 ± 0.26 cm), [7]. As regards the orientation of ears of Osmanabadi goats in the breeding tract, not a single case of erect ears was recorded. However, very few cases of horizontal ears were recorded. Majority of Osmanabadi goats had convex forehead (95.24%), [7]. The percentage of absence of wattle in Osmanabadi goats was 100%. Likewise the overall percentage of the goats not having beard was 100%. This clearly indicated that both wattle and beard characteristics were not the common feature of Osmanabadi goats. Deokar *et al*. [14], Deokar *et al*. [18] and Deshpande *et al*. [21] reported pendulous ear, convex forehead and absence of beard and wattle in majority of cases in Osmanabadi, Sangamneri and Surti goats, respectively. Tail pattern in Osmanbadi goat was observed as curved (96.27%) and only 3.73% goat has straight tail. Deokar *et al*.

Raskar *et al.* [8] reported the least square means for height at withers, heart girth, body length, ear length, horn length and body weight for 3 months of age were 40.69 ± 0.55 cm, 37.61 ± 0.54 cm, 32.08 ± 0.55 cm, 11.69 ± 0.27 cm, 0.39 ± 0.15 cm and 6.29 ± 0.35 kg, respectively, in Osmanabadi goats. A survey on the Osmanabadi goat in its breeding tract was performed by Raskar *et al*. [8], i.e. The Latur and Osmanabad districts of Maharashtra's Marathwada region. Two blocks were selected from each district, namely Latur (B1) and Ausa (B2) blocks from the districts of Latur and Tuljapur (B3) and Osmanabad (B4) blocks from the districts of Osmanabad, and ten villages were considered from each block. The effect of location was significant source of variation for height at withers, chest girth, body length, ear length and body weight. DMRT (Duncan's multiple range test) showed that Block B1 goats had higher body weight, chest girth, body length, height at withers than goats of the other blocks. The effect of block was significant source of variation for body weight, chest girth, body length, height at withers and ear length. The least squares mean for height at withers, heart girth, body length, ear length, horn length, and body weight for 6 months of age were 55.04 ± 1.11 cm, 52.67 ± 1.11 cm, 46.36 ± 0.15 cm, 13.36 ± 0.44 cm, 2.91 ± 0.39 cm and 15.49 ± 0.57 kg in Osmanabadi goats, [7]. The effect of block was significant source of variation for height at withers, chest girth, body length and ear length. Block had significant source of variation for all the traits except horn length and body weight. The least

[14] reported 99.91% straight tail in Osmanabadi goats.

**6.4 Body measurements and body weight**

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96106*

downward orientation.

**6.3 Head, ear and tail patterns**

*The Reproductive Performance of Native Osmanabadi Goat of India DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96106*

colour of horns. The length of horns in adult goats averaged to 7.48 + 0.52 cm. Osmanabadi goats had straight horn (64.40%), while, 35.60% had curved horn, [7]. The orientation of horn was mostly backward (48.55%) followed by upward (44.17%) and very less downward (7.28%) orientation. Presence of horns in both the sexes was also reported in Osmanabadi goat [14], Sangamneri goat [18], Jakhrana goat [8] and Surti goat [19]. The straight horn was reported by Motghare *et al.* [20] and Deokar *et al*. [14] in Osmanabadi as 67.17% and 98.57%, respectively, Deokar *et al*. [18] in Sangamneri (30.68%) and Deshpande *et al*. [21] in Surti (52.45%) goats. Kumar *et al*. [16] reported curved horn in Kutchi goats, while, Verma *et al*. [15] reported slightly twisted type horn in Gohilwadi goats. Motghare *et al.* [20] reported orientation of the horns in Osmanabadi goat was mostly upward (100%). Deokar *et al*. [14] reported maximum percentage had backward orientation (55.22%) followed by upward (36.40%) and only 8.38% had downward orientation.

## **6.3 Head, ear and tail patterns**

*Landraces - Traditional Variety and Natural Breed*

**6. Physical characteristics**

nations i.e. S5 was 6.95%, [7].

the respective five breed sub-types.

(30.88%) hooves in Sangamneri goats.

**6.1 Coat colour pattern**

(20.51%) structures had poor ventilation (closed structure).

in goat houses, while only 1.28% goat keepers provided pucca type of floor in shelter. In small flocks (3-4 animals) there was no separate housing and goats lived with the owner and shared the houses. Raskar *et al.* [8] was found that 73.72% farmers constructed the shelters separately, while 26.28% farmers maintained shelter as part of their houses to safeguard the animals during night time. The goat sheds were mostly half walled (77.56%) and few were full walled (22.44%) with 79.49% well ventilation mainly due to higher percentage of half walled structures. In few cases

The goat house did not have well drained system for urine (98.72%) and only 1.28% had the proper drainage for urine, particularly noticed in pucca type of flooring structures. Shinde [9] reported 93.04% farmers provided housing for Osmanbadi goats during night hours only with 70.44% and 29.56% closed and open housing, respectively. It was further revealed that 98.27% had kutcha floors and only 1.28% pucca floor provided to the goats. Singh [10] and Gokhale *et al*. [11] reported that 66% of farmers maintained shelters as part of their residence.

Osmanabadi goats have different coat colour patterns. According to the colour and presence or absence of horns, Osmanabadi goats were classified into five types. There is no specific name for these types, except Kali (Black), Morkani (White spotted ear), Hondi (Polled). The distribution of goats in surveyed area revealed that S1 (Kali) was 62.16%, S3 (Hondi) 17.12%, S2 (Morkhani) 10.68%, S4 (Hondi Morkani) 3.09% and proportion of remaining goats having different colour combi-

Thus the majority of Osmanabadi goat population was comprised of breed sub-type S1 and S3 (79.28%); while the proportion of breed sub-types S2 and S4 was comparatively negligible than the first two subtypes. The breed sub-type S5 might be developed due to the admixture of different coat colours and breed combination in the population. The eyelids and hooves of Osmanabadi goat was 100% black for all categories of goats studied. Prakash and Balain [7] reported that the common colour of Osmanabadi goat was black and a mixture of white and black or red. Similarly, Ruben [12] reported that the coat colour of Osmanabadi goats was complete black or mixture of black and brown colour. Anonymous [13] recorded the distribution of Osmanabadi goats according to different breed sub-types in three districts and reported 82.60, 11.19, 2.67, 0.75 and 2.84 percent of the goats in

The colour of muzzle was found black in 100% goats under survey. Deokar *et al*. [14], Verma *et al*. [15], Kumar *et al*. [16] and Kuralkar *et al*. [17] also observed the black colour of muzzle in Osmanabadi, Gohilwadi, Kutchi and Berari goats, respectively. It was observed that eyelids and hooves colour in Osmanabadi goat was 100% black for all categories of goat studied. Deokar *et al*. [14] reported black colour of eyelids and hooves in Osmanabadi goats, while, Deokar *et al*. [18] reported white colour of eyelids in Sangamneri goats and white (69.12%) and black

Horns were noticed in both the sexes in majority (79.54%) of Osmanabadi goats while 20.46% goats were polled, [7]. The 100% Osmanabadi goat had grey

**170**

**6.2 Horn pattern**

The ear orientation of Osmanabadi goat was pendulous (drooping) with medium length (14.90 ± 0.26 cm), [7]. As regards the orientation of ears of Osmanabadi goats in the breeding tract, not a single case of erect ears was recorded. However, very few cases of horizontal ears were recorded. Majority of Osmanabadi goats had convex forehead (95.24%), [7]. The percentage of absence of wattle in Osmanabadi goats was 100%. Likewise the overall percentage of the goats not having beard was 100%. This clearly indicated that both wattle and beard characteristics were not the common feature of Osmanabadi goats. Deokar *et al*. [14], Deokar *et al*. [18] and Deshpande *et al*. [21] reported pendulous ear, convex forehead and absence of beard and wattle in majority of cases in Osmanabadi, Sangamneri and Surti goats, respectively. Tail pattern in Osmanbadi goat was observed as curved (96.27%) and only 3.73% goat has straight tail. Deokar *et al*. [14] reported 99.91% straight tail in Osmanabadi goats.

#### **6.4 Body measurements and body weight**

Raskar *et al.* [8] reported the least square means for height at withers, heart girth, body length, ear length, horn length and body weight for 3 months of age were 40.69 ± 0.55 cm, 37.61 ± 0.54 cm, 32.08 ± 0.55 cm, 11.69 ± 0.27 cm, 0.39 ± 0.15 cm and 6.29 ± 0.35 kg, respectively, in Osmanabadi goats. A survey on the Osmanabadi goat in its breeding tract was performed by Raskar *et al*. [8], i.e. The Latur and Osmanabad districts of Maharashtra's Marathwada region. Two blocks were selected from each district, namely Latur (B1) and Ausa (B2) blocks from the districts of Latur and Tuljapur (B3) and Osmanabad (B4) blocks from the districts of Osmanabad, and ten villages were considered from each block. The effect of location was significant source of variation for height at withers, chest girth, body length, ear length and body weight. DMRT (Duncan's multiple range test) showed that Block B1 goats had higher body weight, chest girth, body length, height at withers than goats of the other blocks. The effect of block was significant source of variation for body weight, chest girth, body length, height at withers and ear length. The least squares mean for height at withers, heart girth, body length, ear length, horn length, and body weight for 6 months of age were 55.04 ± 1.11 cm, 52.67 ± 1.11 cm, 46.36 ± 0.15 cm, 13.36 ± 0.44 cm, 2.91 ± 0.39 cm and 15.49 ± 0.57 kg in Osmanabadi goats, [7]. The effect of block was significant source of variation for height at withers, chest girth, body length and ear length. Block had significant source of variation for all the traits except horn length and body weight. The least

square means for height at withers, heart girth, body length, ear length, horn length, and body weight for 12 months of age were 62.45 ± 0.87 cm, 60.03 ± 1.07 cm, 50.01 ± 1.08 cm, 15.58 ± 0.44 cm, 3.30 ± 0.67 cm and 19.56 ± 0.92 kg, respectively, in Osmanabadi goats, [7]. The effect of block was significant source of variation for chest girth, body length, ear length and body weight except horn length and height at wither. The effect of sex was significant source of variation for chest girth, body length and ear length. Raskar *et al.* [8] observed that the least square means for height at withers, heart girth, body length, ear length, horn length and body weight for 24 months of age were 71.00 ± 0.87 cm, 70.48 ± 0.91 cm, 58.34 ± 0.93 cm, 17.18 ± 0.37 cm, 6.51 ± 0.56 cm and 29.50 ± 0.64 kg, respectively, in Osmanabadi goats. The effect of block was significant source of variation for height at withers, chest girth body length and body weight except horn length and ear length. The effect of sex was significant source of variation for chest girth, body length and height at withers. The least square means for height at withers, heart girth, body length, ear length, horn length and body weight for 36 months of age and above were 73.12 ± 0.61 cm, 74.55 ± 0.67 cm, 62.10 ± 0.67 cm, 17.24 ± 0.24 cm, 7.48 ± 0.52 cm and 32.77 ± 0.60 kg, respectively, in Osmanabadi goats, [7]. The effect of sex was significant source of variation for all traits except ear length. Block had significant source of variation for all the traits except chest girth, horn length and ear length, whereas colour type had non-significant effect on all the traits in adult age group of Osmanabadi goats. Ravimurugan *et al*. [22] reported higher body weight, height at withers, body length, chest girth and horn length in Pallai Adu male goat than the female. The mean body height, length, girth and weight of Osmanabadi goats indicated that they belong to medium sized goat category. The Osmanabadi goat is medium sized meat breed thriving well in tropical wet and dry climate.

## **6.5 Performance**

The average age at first kidding and kidding interval is 523 and 214 days respectively. Goats of this breed have very efficient reproduction and in well managed flocks [23], with 30% twining and 2% triplets. The daily milk yield ranged from 700 gm to 1500 gm under well managed village flocks with lactation length of 130-150 day. Raskar *et al.* [24] and Sahare *et al.* [8] found that in Osmanabadi goat maintained under farm condition, kidding percentage and twinning ability was 55.87% and 10.52% respectively.

#### **6.6 Age at puberty**

The mean age at puberty was recorded as 349.8 ± 6.9 days and ranged between 180 and 510 days. Kamble *et al.* [25] reported similar findings 335.3 ± 13.0 days while Lawer *et al.* [26] reported 219.34 ± 0.72 days pubertal age in Osmanabadi goats.

#### **6.7 Weight at puberty**

The weight at puberty in Osmanabadi goats occurred when the does attained an average body weight of 17.45 ± 0.23 kg, [27]. Smith [28] stated that, Angora goats should weigh 32-41 kg before being bred and recommended that breeding should be delayed until the animal has attained 60% or more of its adult body weight. It was also evident from the study that the age at puberty ranged between 6 and 17 months and it is highly probable that Osmanabadi goats attaining puberty at an

**173**

**Figure 1.**

*The Reproductive Performance of Native Osmanabadi Goat of India*

early age had a better growth rate resulting in a better body weight cumulating in

The average gestation period in Osmanabadi goats was determined as 152.24 ± 0.24 days and it ranged from 137 to 158 days. The average duration of gestation in goats is generally reported as 147-155 days [4]. The gestation period was recorded as 150.08 days by Pathodiya *et al.* [4] and as 146.23 ± 0.49 days by Swami *et al.* [29] in Sirohi goats. In Ganjam goats gestation length was 148.26 ± 0.31 days, in Bengal type goats of Orissa it was 146.27 ± 0.37 days and in Ghumsur goats of Orissa it was 145.03 ± 0.48 days (Rao and Patro [30]). Mandakmale *et al.* [31] observed the gestation period to be 149.96 ± 0.82 days for Osmanabadi goats under field conditions and Bhusan and Rai [32] found it to be 151.33 ± 1.48 days in Jakhrana.

The first kidding in Osmanabadi goats occurred as early 330 days in some does and as late as 650 days in few others [27]. The mean age at first kidding was determined as 494.4 ± 8.1 days similar to the reports in other breeds [24]. Mandakmale *et al.* [31] observed the age at first kidding of 377.15 ± 2.67 days in Osmanabadi goats under field conditions. In Malabari it was observed to be 13.72 ± 0.10 months [33] and 531 days [34]. In Jamunapari goats first kidding was 700 ± 9.1 days (Rout *et al.* [35]),

The mean kidding interval in Osmanabadi Does was recorded as 232.62 ± 5.45 days and ranged between 181 to 310 days, [27]. A similar kidding interval has been reported by Markendeya and Devanagare [37] in Osmanabadi goats. Mabari goats also appear to have a kidding interval similar to Osmanabadi does [38]. Raghavan *et al.* [33] reported the average kidding interval as 9.47 ± 0.11 months in Malabari goat breed of Kerala while Raghavan *et al.* [34] recorded kidding interval as 315 days

*DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96106*

the onset of puberty.

**6.8 Gestation period**

**6.9 Age at first kidding**

**6.10 Inter-kidding period**

(**Figures 1** and **2**; **Table 1**).

observed at 23 months (Rout *et al.* [36]).

*Pure Osmanabadi breed (A) Osmanabadi Buck and (B) Osmanabadi doe.*

early age had a better growth rate resulting in a better body weight cumulating in the onset of puberty.
