Notes

Outline

Genetic Improvement Programs
for
Canadian Dairy Goats


	Brian Sullivan
	CCSI, 2001

Goats Versus Other Dairy Breeds
Memberships and Registrations in 1999

Some Other Species
Memberships and Registrations in 1999

Canadian Goat Society (CGS)
Programs and Services


	Only national organization for goats in Canada
	Animal identification (pedigrees recording)
	Milk recording
	Type classification
	Shows and competitions
	Certificates and awards
	Quarterly magazine

Canadian Goat Society
Memberships and Number of Goats Registered

Number of Goats on
CGS Milk Recording

Number of Herds and Herd Size
CGS Milk Recording Program

Number of Goats on
CGS Type Recording

Number of Herds and Herd Size
CGS Type Recording Program

Biological Characteristics of Goats


	Multiple births (twins or triplets common)
	Seasonal
		Breed from late August to mid-February
		Kid from December through July, mostly between February and May
	Short gestation (5 months)
	Early maturing
		Breed at 7-12 months of age
		1^st parity at 12-17 months of age

Genetic Variation for Goats

Potential for Genetic Progress
in Goats

Genetic Improvement Objectives



	Increase milk yield per doe

	Maintain or increase fat% and protein%

	Maintain or improve body conformation

Genetic Evaluation
Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)


	Milk, fat and protein yields
	Fat % and protein %
	8 linear type traits:
		General appearance 5.Mammary system
		Feet and legs 6. Fore udder
		Body capacity 7. Rear udder
		Dairy character 8. Teats

Genetic Evaluation
Selection Indexes


	Production Index (Pindx)
		Equal emphasis on milk and fat EBVs
	Mammary System Index (MSindx)
		35% MS + 28% FU + 28% RU + 9% TE
	Final Score Index (Tindx)
		25% GA + 12% FL + 10% BC + 10% DC + 43% MSindx
	Production-Type Index
		60% Pindx + 40% Tindx

Expected Progress in Index
With Different Proportions Selected

Expected Progress in
Milk Yield Per Lactation

Expected Progress in Fat and Protein Yield Per Lactation

Value of Increased Fat and Protein^*
($ Per Lactation)

Conclusions


	Dairy goat industry relatively small in Canada, but growing with increasing demand for dairy goat products
	Comprehensive testing and evaluation programs exist
	Participation of larger herds is increasing
	Potential for genetic improvement is large

Conclusions Cont’d


	Milk yield per goat could potentially double in the next 10 to 15 years, while still maintaining or improving other traits of interest
	For this to happen, larger breeders must continue to participate in the recording programs and learn how to make effective use of genetic evaluations

Alpine Saanen

Lamancha Nubian

Toggenburg Oberhasli

Other Breeds