Relationships between body weight, body condition score at breeding and reproductive and progeny performance in Kiko meat goats over two breeding cycles

Body condition scores (BCS) and/or body weights (BWT) are often used as visual or tactile management tools to evaluate and improve reproductive competency in pasture-managed small ruminant animals. This study was designed relationships between BCS, BWT traits (number born alive weaned, litter size, birth weaning weights) 16 purebred Kiko, 11 Boer 7 Kiko x crossbred meat goat dams that were semi-intensively managed bred both bucks. recorded using a scale palpable BCS of 1 5 (1= emaciated 5= obese) subjectively determined at breeding, parturition weaning. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) analysis determine the residual values progeny performance BCS. Pre-partum had r=0.09. A moderate observed breeding number (r=0.36) suggesting pre-partum is key conformation measurement linked Both negatively correlated with size (r= -0.11) weight (r=-0.32) weakly (r=0.06). Also, negative correlations obtained kid (r=-0.58) weaned (r=-0.26). Although no significant (P≥0.05) effect on kg kids per dam, kids, weights, it evident score 3 mating time could optimize performance. The results this project established important roles pre-breeding have (kidding rate) herds. We recommend their evaluation useful tool for distinguishing differences nutritional needs herds, especially pasture-based production system. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 64-73, December 2022