Phenotypic Characterization of Indigenous Goat Genetic Resources of Assam: A Foundation for Sustainable Breeding and Conservation

Abstract

The present study aimed to characterize two indigenous goat populations of Assam, namely the black-coated goats and brown-coated goats, and to evaluate their production and reproductive potential for sustainable breeding and conservation. Methods: A field survey was conducted across five districts of Assam, namely Dhemaji, Golaghat, Kamrup (Rural), Lakhimpur, and Nalbari. A total of 1,255 goats comprising 811 black and 444 brown goats were randomly selected from smallholder flocks. Phenotypic data, morphological descriptors, morphometric measurements and reproductive traits were recorded. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and results were presented as mean ± standard error. Results: Both goat populations were reared predominantly under extensive grazing systems with natural mating. The black coated goats exhibited a compact body conformation with uniform black coat colour, whereas the brown coated goats possessed a distinctive brown coat and comparatively larger body dimensions. The latter recorded higher birth weight (1.16 ± 0.01 kg), weaning weight (5.61 ± 0.02 kg), and six-month weight (9.74 ± 0.04 kg), than the former. Similarly, chest girth (55.46 ± 0.22 cm), body length (55.06 ± 0.42 cm), and height at withers (50.72 ± 0.35 cm) were greater in brown coated goats. The reproductive performance was also superior, with an earlier age at first kidding (405.07 ± 0.07 days) as compared with black coated goats (480 ± 5 days). However, black coated goats demonstrated excellent adaptability, efficient utilization of low-quality feed resources, and stable reproductive performance under extensive management. Conclusion: The study demonstrated clear phenotypic and productive differences between black-coated goats and brown-coated goats, indicating that they represent distinct indigenous goat genetic resources of Assam. Their unique adaptive characteristics and production potential warrant systematic conservation, molecular characterization, and community-based selective breeding programmes to facilitate sustainable utilization and future breed registration.