Prediction of body weight using appropriate regression model in adult female Malabari goat

Abstract

Aim: To know the the relationship between body weight and linear body measurements such as body length, height at withers and heart girth in Malabari adult female goats under field conditions. Materials and Methods: A total of 152 adult female Malabari goats' body weight and body measurements (body length, height at withers and heart girth) were used to develop the step wise multiple regression equations. Results: The average body weight, body length, height at withers and heart girth were 24.23 0.73 kg, 59.42 0.98 cm, 61.02 1.03 cm and 66.54 1.09 cm, respectively. Prediction of body weight based on heart girth alone or combined with other body measurements had higher coefficient of determination (R2) and lower residual mean square (MSE). Conclusion: It could be concluded that the prediction model for body weight of Malabari female adult goats with independent variable heart girth can be better fit.