Direct Selection Response to Growth and Correlated Response to Lactation Traits in Black Bengal Goats

A field trial on selection for increased live weight in Black Bengal (BB) goat was conducted over two generations. Parents of both sexes were selected (mass selection) based on mature body weight criteria set against age. A parallel randomly mated line was maintained to compare the response (R) of selection at birth. 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age in both generations. Lactation yield (LY), average per day yield (APDY) and lactation length (LL) were evaluated in the selected line in comparison to randombreds as a result of correlated response. Live weights were significantly improved at onward bir:th in first generation and only at birth in second generation. Improvements (%) in live weight at 3, 6. 9 and 12 months in first generation were 17.6, 18.4, 16.6, and 12.0 at birth in second generation. Significant correlated R were found in LY and APDY. Results suggest that there may be a positive relationship between live weight and lactational traits in BB goats of Bangladesh. It was also concluded that such a field scheme can be effectively used for genetic improvement of goats in subsistence farming, at least for short term gain.