’n Seleksiestelsel vir Angorabokke

Author: D.G. Poggenpoel & J.M. van der Westhuysen
Year: 1981
Issue: 1
Volume: 11
Page: 35 - 48

The effect of different production traits on the income of Angora goat farming was investigated. From the few estimates available in the literature, it was concluded that the heritability of production traits of the Angora is of the order of 0,3 to 0,4. Similarly it was accepted that the correlations between different characters are of the order of: fleece mass and spinning count -0,30; fleece mass and body mass 0,30; and body mass and spinning count -0,20. Body mass has an important effect on income because of its influence on reproduction. Estimates on published data show an increase of 5% lambs born for an increase of one kilogram in body mass, with the possibility of an optimum value above which there will be no further effect. The following selection system is proposed: All 2-tooth goats are judged for breed characteristics and body abnormalities. All the acceptable individuals are then measured for body mass and fleece mass and are scored for spinning count. A selection index is then calculated for each individual, with the following weighting factors: I = 27,6 x grease fleece mass in kg + 13,2 x spinning count('s) + I x body mass in kg. The repeatability of abortion was estimated from published data as of the order of 0.15. Published results show, however, that with strict elimination of aborters the rate of abortion decreased.

Keywords: Angora goats, selection
Read article