Breeding Objectives and Desired-Gain Selection Index for Rayeni Cashmere Goat in Pasture System

The aim of this study was to define breeding goals and determine the suitable selection index in Rayeni cashmere goat using simulated data. To select animals for increased quantity of meat, milk and cashmere produced, body weight of the doe (BWD), milk weight (MW), cashmere weight (CW), weight of kids for sale (WK) and number of kids for sale per doe (NK) was used as selection criteria. Four selection indices were proposed (I1–I4) to compare genetic gain for all traits included in indices based on selection index. Maximum of genetic gain was calculated for 0.04 buck ratio with the full selection index (I1). So, the most suitable selection index for this breed is index 1 which included BWD, MW, CW, WK and NK.