Effects of breed, diet, and sex on carcass yield in Nigerian indigenous goat breeds under tropical production systems

This study investigated the main and interactive effects of breed, diet, and sex on carcass characteristics of two Nigerian indigenous goat breeds; West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto under controlled feeding conditions. Thirty-six weaner goats (3-4 months old; n = 18 per breed; balanced for sex) were assigned to a 2×3×2 factorial arrangement in a Completely Randomized Design. Experimental diets comprised 100% Digitaria smutsii, 50% Digitaria smutsii +50% groundnut haulms, and 50% Digitaria smutsii + 50% cowpea husk. Carcasses evaluated include fasted live weight, bled weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, primal cuts, and visceral organ weights. The data were analyzed using Statistix Analytical Software version 8.1. Significant means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test. Results showed that breed significantly influenced fasted live weight, forelimb weight, neck weight, feet weight, and kidney weight (P<0.05), with Red Sokoto goats exhibiting higher values than West African Dwarf goats. Diet had limited influence on carcass traits, with a significant effect observed only on empty stomach weight. Sex significantly affected fasted live weight, bled weight, head weight, and full stomach weight, with females showing higher values compared to males. Significant interaction effects were observed for selected carcass parameters, particularly in breed × diet and breed × sex combinations. The findings demonstrate that breed plays a dominant role in determining carcass yield among Nigerian indigenous goats, while dietary supplementation and sex contribute to variations in specific carcass components. The Red Sokoto breed is recommended for improved carcass yield under similar management conditions.