The effects of doe breed on reproductive rates and internal parasite tolerance

Boer (n= 60), Kiko (n= 89), Myotonic (n= 55) and Spanish (n= 92) meat goat does were studied to assess potential breed effects on reproductive performance and health. The herd was semi-intensively managed on humid subtropical pasture in central Tennessee for three years. This study was conducted after the herd was rebuilt following a flood. Body weight of Boer and Kiko were heavier (p\u3c 0.01) than Spanish, which was heavier (p\u3c 0.01) than Myotonic doe. At kidding, Kiko and Spanish delivered heavier (p\u3c 0.05) litters than Boer and Myotonic does. Boer does weaned lighter (p\u3c 0.05) litters than Kiko, Myotonic and Spanish; the latter three were similar. Litter weights of single kid litters were lighter than for multiple kids litters at kidding and weaning (p\u3c 0.05). Reproductive and survival rates of Myotonic were lower (p\u3c 0.05) than for Kiko and Spanish, while higher (p\u3c 0.05) than for Boer does. Myotonic doe fecal egg count (FEC) was lower (p\u3c 0.01) than for Boer and Kiko does. Spanish were lower than Boer, but similar to Kiko and Myotonic does for mean FEC. Fecal egg count of 2-year-old dams was lower (p\u3c 0.05) than 7+ years old dams. Packed cell volume (PCV) of 2-year-old does was higher (p\u3c 0.01) than 4 to 7+ years old does. Boer had lower (p\u3c 0.01) PCV than Kiko, Myotonic and Spanish does. The latter three were similar. Kiko, Spanish and Myotonic does showed advantages compared to Boer for traits of reproductive performance and internal parasitism