Environmental factors affecting pre-weaning survival of Red Sokoto goats.

Abstract

Effects of environmental factors viz, hirth year, parity, sex, birth type and season of birth on preweaning survival of Red Sokoto goats (RSG) using production records kept between 1978 - 1985 at the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Shika-Zaria were investigated. Birth year, parity and season of birth significantly (P<0.05) affected preweaning survival while birth type and sex of kid did not. The mean survival to weaning at 3 months was 72% and was highest in does with 4 or more parities (77%) and least in primiparous does (66%). Survival was significantly higher during harmattan and worse during the dry season. Losses were more concentrated in the O 7 days of life in primiparous does during the dry season. Overall productivity of does and interac lions between parity and birth cype significantly affected survival. Breeding RSG older than one year to kids preferably during 'harmattan' would improve preweaning survival of the kids.