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Pre-weaning growth performance of F1 and F2 Katjang-Boer crossbreds fed formulated creep feed

Predith¹* , M., Shanmugavelu² , S., Mohamad Hifzan³ , R. and Mohd Hafiz⁴ , A.W.

¹MARDI Kluang, P.O. Box 525, 86009 Kluang, Johor
²Department of Preclinical, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang,
³ Ibu Pejabat MARDI, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, 43400, Serdang, Selangor
⁴MARDI Muadzam Shah, KM 5, Jalan Rompin, 26700, Muadzam Shah, Pahang

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2020 23(2): 62-71

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The local indigenous Katjang goat is highly prolific but has a small body size and poor
growth performance compared to exotic breeds such as the Boer of South Africa. The need for an
improved local breed to cater for local market led to a crossbreeding program between Boer and
Katjang goats implemented through the 11th Malaysia Development Project. The objective of this
study was to describe the pre-weaning growth performance of the F1 and F2 crosses of Katjang and
Boer (KxB) goats fed diets formulated to meet their requirements. A total of 13 F1 KxB kids (6
males and 7 females) from the mating of selected purebred Boer females with Katjang males, were
kept with their dams and fed formulated creep feed ad libitum. Following that, a total of 21 F2 KxB
kids (12 males and 9 females) were sourced from the inter se mating program of selected F1 KxB
goats. The weaning weight at 16 weeks for F1 was lower at 11.47 � 3.92 kg compared to the F2 at
12.76 � 3.27 kg, which indicated better performance of the F2 through inter se breeding however
no significant difference were found. The lower feed intake in F2 compared to F1 also suggests
better feed conversion ratio. Overall, the study demonstrated the improvements in the performance
of the F2 via inter se mating and therefore certifying the objectives of the crossbreeding program.