The estimation of live weight based on linear traits in indigenous Tswana goats at various ages in Botswana.

The objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of some linear body measurements in predicting live weight in indigenous Tswana goats at various ages. Data for this study were obtained from 2,783 goats sampled from six agricultural regions of Botswana except for Tsabong and Ghanzi districts. Fifteen farmers keeping goats were randomly selected from each district and records taken on a random sample of 4-12 animals per farm depending on the 1999 Botswana Government average district flock size. Body measurements recorded were heart girth, height at withers, body length, shoulder width, and live weight. Information on age of each animal was estimated from dentition; flock size and sex of the animal were also recorded for each farm. Regression analysis using stepwise selection method in Statistical Analysis System was used to determine prediction equations for live weight with heart girth, height at withers, body length, and shoulder width as independent variables for male and female goats of different ages. In all models, heart girth contributed most in explaining variation in body weight as shown by high partial R(2) which ranged from 0.48 for female mature to 0.80 for mature male goats. Using mean square error, R(2), and Mallows' C(p), the best prediction equations were for female and male kids (R(2) = 0.83 and 0.82, respectively) and mature male goats (R(2) = 0.82). The poorest model was for mature female goats with R(2) = 0.57. Live body weight could be estimated with accuracy from linear body measurements in Tswana goats which are unique for each sex and age. More research is required to explore using these models to develop measuring tapes for use by resource poor farmers who keep indigenous Tswana goats.