Predicting fat deposition in growing Boer goat castrates and does using ultrasonography

Abstract

Ultrasonography was used to determine the subcutaneous backfat deposition of Boer goat castrates and does from weaning until one year of age. Logarithmic regressions of subcutaneous backfat measurements were constructed using body weight and age as inputs. The logarithmic regression of subcutaneous backfat deposition with bodyweight had a moderate to good fit, with Boer goat does displaying a better fit (R²=0.70) than castrates (R²=0.65). The logarithmic regression of subcutaneous backfat with age indicated a good fit for both sexes (R²=0.85). Castrates and does displayed similar rates of subcutaneous backfat deposition. The models proposed here will enable producers to estimate the subcutaneous backfat depth of Boer goat castrates and does with reasonable accuracy and can be utilized as benchmarks in precision Boer goat rearing applications, such as predicting an appropriate slaughter weight.