Herd Structure and Incidence of Supernumerary Teats and Wattles in Smallholder Goat Production in Plateau State

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the incidences of supernumerary teat and wattles in goat and the relationship between the two traits. The survey was conducted with 104 farmers having 948 goats. Attributes measured were herd, herd size, male, female, coat colour, long hair back, long hair at the thigh, long hair back and thigh region, udder pigmentation, beard, dam, tassel, farmer’s experiences on supernumerary teat, and tassel. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation in J.M.P genomics software. There was presence of more female goats in the herds than males in Plateau State. The incidence of supernumerary teat was 31.6% in does while incidence of wattle tassel was 37.4 %. The colour of white, tan, brown and black were low in frequency (1.88, 2.64 and 9.28%). Normal hair was significantly and positively correlated with long hairs at the back was significantly and positively correlated with beard and tassel in the does (P˂ 0.01; r= 0.42- 0.43). Beardness in the does was only (12.48 %) with majority being non-beard (87.52 %). In conclusion, this has emphasized the need for breeding soundness examination including mammary gland to identify and eliminate supernumenary teat during during community based genetic improvement of goats. A programmed should be organised for farmers on supernumerary teat and wattle in goats and their managerial approach.