The Effect of Upgrading Indigenous Goat Breeds with German Alpine on Milk Yields at Manyatta Division of Embu County

Abstract

Crossbreeding between exotic improved goats and indigenous breeds has brought about genetic improvement resulting in a faster growth rate and more milk production. A study was carried out with the objectives of demonstrating the milk production in F1, F2, F3, and F4 cross-bred goats and to determine the breeding level that is suitable for milk production at the farm level at Manyatta division, Embu County. Farm records from 24 farmers, distributed into four dairy goats keeping groups (blocks) on milk production was collected from 81 goats of F1, F2, F3, and F4 generations. The average flock size was 8.8 goats per farmer but ranged between 4-20 goats. A large proportion of 90.7% of the respondents kept goats for milk production. Milk yield data were analyzed using analysis of covariance, analysis of variance, and mean separated using least significant difference. Standard management practices were evident with little variation in feeding, health management, and other husbandry practices between farmer groups. The average milk production was 2.4, 3.6, 4.6, and 5.9 litres for F1, F2, F3, and F4, respectively. The mean milk yield differed significantly between different filial generations and increased with upgrading. Filial generations and blocks were significant, hence different mean milk production in each filial. Factors such as filial age at first kidding and filial age had no significant influence/effect on milk production. There were no interactions between blocks and filial generation. This meant that the blocks and filial generation are independent of each other. Goats at F4 generation of breeding performed better in milk production and lactation length than those in F1, F2, and F3 and therefore are recommended as the most suitable filial for milk production in Manyatta, Embu County.