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 | ||
| 1st parity at 12-17 months of age | ||
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)
| 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 |
| 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 |