Estimates of Genetic Parameters for Direct and Maternal Effects on Pre-Weaning Growth Traits in Turkish Saanen Kids

Simple Summary It is economically significant to perform early selection of breeding goats. Given that the effect of genetic and environmental factors on growth can be estimated more accurately, estimation of adult body weight is viable, and rapid genetic progress can be achieved in the herd through the application of selection in this manner. Thus, profitability can be increased in goat breeding. Additionally, genetic and maternal influences on pre-weaning growth traits are important in identifying variation between individuals. In this study, herd, sex, age of dam, type and year of birth, and maternal genetic influence were considered according to their effects on pre-weaning growth characteristics in Turkish Saanen kids. As a result of the study, it has been determined that the economic significance of the maternal effect is high due to its effect on the growth characteristics of Turkish Saanen kids. In the selection program for offspring who grew up alongside their mothers from birth until weaning, it is recommended to account for the maternal effect as well as environmental factors. Data on 4487 Turkish Saanen kids from 176 bucks and 1318 dam-goats, obtained from the Turkish Saanen goats in the Izmir region and collected between 2018 and 2019, were analyzed to examine the effect of genetic and non-genetic factors on growth traits. The average birth weight of the kids was determined as 3.33 +/- 0.68 kg, the average W60 was 13.06 +/- 2.94 kg, the average WW was 18.38 +/- 4.14 kg, and the average PreWDG until weaning was 0.17 +/- 0.04 g. Model 1, which does not account for the maternal effect, and Model 2, which includes the maternal effect, were used in the estimation of genetic parameters. The heritability estimates of BW, W60, WW, and PreWDG ranged from 0.05 to 0.59 in both models. It is recommended to consider the maternal effect as well as the environmental factors in the selection program for the best early breeder selection of kids growing alongside their mothers until the weaning period.