Path coefficient and path analysis of body weight and biometric traits in indigenous goats.

The study was conducted in Sekhukhune District of the Limpopo province, South Africa where the goats between the ages of 20 and 30 months were used. A total of 613 indigenous goats of both sexes (62 male and 551 female) were selected and body weight and four morphological traits were taken on each goat in the morning before they were released for grazing. Means, standard deviations (SD) and coefficients of variation (CV) were calculated. Pair wise correlations among body weight and morphological traits were also determined which ranged from 0.81-0.91 for male and 0.72-0.89 for female goats, respectively and were statistically significant (P<0.01). The direct effect of heart girth on body weight was strongest in both sexes (path coefficient of 0.58 and 0.62 in males and females, respectively). Body length in males and body length and hip height in females also positively (P<0.05) influenced body weight. The direct effects of other linear type traits on body weight in both sexes were non-significant. The forecast indices obtained in this study could aid in weight estimation, selection and breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]