Non-genetic factors effect on the early body weights of local goats population in Tunisia

In this study it was evaluated the environmental effects on body weights of goat kids from birth to 5 months of age of local goat population in Tunisia. Except for birth weight, individual records were adjusted for standard ages (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months) using either extrapola on or interpolation on field data. Data were analyzed by SNK (α = 0.05) means comparison test and GLM procedure. The kidding five years, kidding month (December, January, February and March), birth type (single and twins), sex (male and female), coat color of kid and age of dam (2-10 years) were defined as non-genetic factors. The coat color had no significant effect on all body weights. Environmental effects estimated in this study are important and need to be taken into account for Tunisian local goat management and breeding improvement under harsh conditions.