Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol.

2018, 3 (1), 28-32

Asian-Australasian Journal of
Bioscience and Biotechnology
ISSN 2414-1283 (Print) 2414-6293 (Online)
[Link]/journal/aajbb

Article
Phenotypic characterization of Boer and Jamunapari goat under farming
condition in Bangladesh
MAI Talukder and MP Choudhury*

Goat and Sheep Production Research Division, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Savar, Dhaka,
Bangladesh

*Corresponding author: Md. Panir Choudhury, Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute,
Savar, Dhaka-1341, Bangladesh. Phone: +8801717629021; E-mail: cpanir@[Link]

Received: 07 April 2018/Accepted: 21 April 2018/ Published: 28 April 2018

Abstract: The objective of the study was to characterize of Boer goats and the Jamunapari goat available in
Bangladesh under on-station condition. The study was conducted at Goat and Sheep Research farm of BLRI,
Savar, Dhaka from January 2014 to June 2015 and animals were reared under standard intensive management
system. The collected data was analyzed by SPSS 17.0 Statistical computer programme. The body coat color of
Boer goat was white with reddish-brown head, ears and neck and the body coat color of Jamunapari goats was
variety of colors. Both of them had horns but polled Jamunapari goats were also found. The body weight
significantly (p<0.001) differed between Boer goat (52.36±5.97 kg) and Jamunapari goat (39.26±3.00 kg). Horn
length of Boer goat (19.01±1.29 cm) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than Jamunapari goat (7.98±0.71 cm).
Head width and teat length of Jamunapari goat (33.82±0.85 cm and 9.15±0.89 cm) were significantly higher
(p<0.05) than Boer goat (30.23±0.63 cm and 5.80±0.87 cm). Rump width significantly (p<0.05) differed
between Boer goat (17.87±0.61 cm) and Jamunapari goat (15.19±0.59 cm). The body length, height at wither,
chest girth and ear length of Boer goat were 69.96±2.09 cm, 67.98±1.19 cm, 78.39±2.04 cm and 19.43±0.90 cm,
respectively where as body length, height at wither, chest girth and ear length of Jamunpari goat were
72.13±1.63 cm, 69.69±1.29 cm, 79.18±2.04 cm and 21.23±0.66 cm, respectively. Phenotype wise Boer goats
have distinct meat characteristics than the Jamunapari goats.

Keywords: Boer goat; Jamunapari goat; phenotypic; characterization

1. Introduction
Goat is a multi-functional animal and contributes greatly to the agrarian economy, especially in areas where
crop and dairy farming are not economic. Thus, goat plays an important role in the livelihood of a large
proportion of small farmers particularly women, landless and marginal farmers inhabiting geographically
isolated areas, who seldom have other means of survival (Choudhury et al., 2012). The total livestock
population composed of 25.93 million goats, 23.94 million cattle, 1.48 million buffaloes and 3.4 million sheep
(DLS, 2017). Among the livestock sector goats are a very important species of livestock in Bangladesh, mainly
on account of their short generation intervals, higher rates of prolificacy and the ease with which the goats and
their products can be marketed. Goat is perhaps one of the most important amongst the domestic species in the
tropics performing a variety of functions and in comparison to other ruminants, displays a unique ability to
adapt and maintain themselves in harsh environments. Goats play an important role in livelihoods of
smallholder farmers in Bangladesh as they serve as assets that can be easily liquidated to provide cash in times
of need (Akhter et al., 2006). The Jamunapari goat is one of the ancestors of the American Nubian. They were
derived from crossing Jamunapari from India and Egyptian Zaraibi with native English goats, when they arrived
in England on merchant boats as part of every cargo. This produced the Anglo-Nubian breed. The Jamunapari is
known as the best dairy goat in India. It is also the tallest breed and commonly known as the "Pari" in its area of
Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2018, 3 (1) 29
origin-the "home tract"-because of its majestic appearance. Its home tract and natural habitat is the Chakarnagar
area of the Etawah district in the State of Uttar Pradesh, along the delta of the Jamuna and Chambal Rivers, and
the Bhind district of the State of Madhya Pradesh along the Kwari River, east of New Dehli and not far from the
famous Taj Mahal at Agra. The Jamunapari is well adapted to the unique ravines of this area with its dense bush
and shrub vegetation (Rout et al., 2002). The number of this breed in Bangladesh is not known, but most are
found in Chuadanga, Meherpur, Kushtia, Jhenidah, Pabna, and Jessore districts (Faruque and Khandoker, 2007).
Ten percent (10%) of Jamunapari and their crossbred goat are available throughout the country. They usually
reared by small, marginal and landless farmers for meat and milk purpose. Their mature weight is 30-50 kg and
growth rate is 70-80 gm/day. The overall litter size of Jamunapari goat was nearly two (1.75). On the other
hand, the average postpartum heat and days open were 51 and 69 days, respectively (Annual Report; BLRI,
2010). Boer goat is considered to be one of the most desirable goat breeds for meat production. It has gained
worldwide recognition for excellent body conformation, fast growing rate and good carcass quality. It‟s
popularity increased as a meat type goat breed during the last decade in Australia, New Zealand and later in
North America and other parts of the world. The name is derived from the Dutch word “boer” meaning farmer
(Lu, 2002). Mature weights of Boer bucks and „does‟ are 90-130 kg and 80-100 kg, respectively. Boer goats are
known to have a fast growing rate compared to other goat breeds. Growth rate of the first 12 months can be 200
g/day under good pastoral conditions. Faster growing rate implies that Boer goats can potentially reach
marketing and breeding weight earlier. Birth weight of Boer kids ranges from 3 to 4 kg. Prolificacy is another
major distinction of Boer goats. Average litter size is close to 2. About 50% of „does‟ produce twins and another
10 to 15% produce triplets‟ kids. Boer goat female kids can reach puberty at 6 months of age and are considered
as early breeders. Male kids can be used for breeding at 5 to 6 months of age. Milk production of Boer goats is
generally considered adequate for rearing multiple kids (Campbell, 1984). Thus, introduction of Boer goat can
be promising goat breed to meet up the increasing demand of meat and milk production in the country. But,
before its extension to farmer level, it is necessary to evaluate the phenotypic, productive, reproductive
performance and economic potential of Boer goat in Bangladesh condition.

2. Materials and Methods

The research was conducted at Goat and Sheep Research farm of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute,
Savar, Dhaka from January 2014. Bengal Livestock & Fodder, a sister concern of Bengal Meat supplied four
Boer does and one Boer buck to BLRI for conducting this performance trial. Animals were reared at the Goat
and Sheep Research Farm of BLRI and their performance in terms of productive, reproductive and cost
effectively were measured against the Jamnapari breed. Accordingly, a equal number of Jamunapari „does‟ and
bucks were also reared under the same management system and same location. All the „does‟ and buck were
kept in permanent house with slated floor raised above the ground level with sufficient space to keep them
comfortable. Buck was always kept separately from „does‟ to avoid unplanned mating. Green grass was
supplied as ad libitum basis and concentrate (17% CP, 11MJ/kg DM) was offered twice daily (morning and
evening) at the rate of 300g (100 kg concentrate mixture contain 30 kg crushed maize, 50 kg wheat bran, 19 kg
mustard oil cake, the diet were fortified with vitamin mineral premix at the rate of 0.1 kg per 100 kg and 1 kg
salt were used, mixed up uniformly) per head per day. All the phenotypic measurements were collected by
measuring tape and hanging digital balance according to FAO guide lines. The pure breeding (Boer goat
male×Boer goat female and Jamunapari goat male×Jamunapari goat female) program was conducted initially at
BLRI was designed in such way which minimized inbreeding at the progeny generation. The collected data was
analyzed by SPSS 17.0 Statistical computer programme.

3. Results and Discussion

3.1. Phenotypic characteristics of Boer and Jamunapari goat
Table 1 shows different phenotypic characteristics of Boer and Jamunapari goat. A typical picture of Boer and
Jamunapari goat (both Buck and Doe) are presented in Figures 1 and 2. The coat color pattern of both Boer and
Jamunapari goat were plain (Figures1 and 2). The body hair coat color of Boer goat was white and neck to head
region brown and the body hair coat color of Jamunapari goat was variety of color. Boer goat had horn and horn
present in Jamunapari goat also but polled Jamunapari goat was found. Horn shape of Boer goat was curve but
horn shape of Jamunapari goat was curve and straight. Horn, ear orientation and facial (head) profile of Boer
and Jamunapari goat were lateral, pendulous and convex, respectively. Tail type and tail shape of Boer and
Jamunapari goat were thin and cylindrical and turned up at end, respectively. Only male of Boer goat had beard.
Both male and female of Jamunapari goat had beard. Boer goats are large, long-legged goats with short, soft
hair and long lop ears. They were white with reddish-brown heads, ears and necks. The Boer goat‟s head was
Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2018, 3 (1) 30
powerful with a compressed nose and strong horns with a gradual backward curve. They had fleshy, well-
developed broad briskets, well-sprung ribs, broad backs and muscular legs (Sambraus, 1992). The Boer goat had
a broad rump with a slight incline, well fleshed buttocks and thighs. The Boer goat had bearded. The pelvic was
the highest for the breeds and the goats was of medium height (Pieters, 2007). The Jamunapari had white, short
hair except for long hair on the thigh and back leg. It had a strongly arched Roman nose and long pendulous ears
were the major breed characteristics. The neck was long, muscular and set erect. The loin was strong but usually
arched; the tail was short and typically curved upward. Ear length was about 8 inches for 3-to-6-month old kids,
growing to 12 inches on adults. Horns project backwards and their length reaches about 9 inches on adults. The
udder was relatively capacious, compared to other Asian "dairy" goats, but pendulous. While the ears in adult
Jamunapari are about 12 inches long, the face, including the mouth, was shorter than the ears by about two or
three inches (Rout et al., 2002).

Table 1. Phenotypic characteristics of Boer and Jamunapari goat.

Parameter Boer Goat Jamunapari Goat
Coat color pattern Plain Plain
Body hair coat color White with reddish-brown heads, ears and necks Distinct color
Horn Horned Horned and polled
Horn shape Curve Curve, Straight
Horn orientation Lateral Lateral
Ear orientation Pendulous Pendulous
Facial (Head) Profile Convex Convex
Tail type Thin Thin
Tail shape Cylindrical and turned up at end Cylindrical and turned up at end
Beard Only male Both male and female

Table 2. Morphometric measurement of Boer and Jamunapari goat.

Parameter Boer Goat (Mean±SE) Jamunapari Goat (Mean±SE) Level of Significance
Body weight (kg) 52.36a±5.97 (7) 40.47b±2.65 (16) *
Body length (cm) 69.96±2.09 (7) 72.13±1.63 (16) NS
Height at wither (cm) 67.98±1.19 (7) 69.69±1.29 (16) NS
Chest girth (cm) 78.39±2.04 (7) 79.18±2.04 (16) NS
Ear length (cm) 19.43±0.90 (7) 21.23±0.66 (16) NS
Horn length (cm) 19.01a±1.29 (7) 7.98b±0.71 (12) ***
Head iength (cm) 22.29±0.52 (7) 23.31±0.51 (16) NS
Head width (cm) 30.23b±0.63 (7) 33.82a±0.85 (16) *
Rump length (cm) 13.87±1.28 (7) 11.28±0.69 (16) NS
Rump width (cm) 17.87a±0.61 (7) 15.19b±0.59 (16) **
Tail length (cm) 13.91±0.71 (7) 15.30±0.52 (16) NS
Udder length (cm) 21.83±5.15 (5) 16.22±1.22 (11) NS
Udder diameter (cm) 30.33±4.41 (5) 28.48±1.11 (11) NS
Teat length (cm) 5.80b±0.87 (3) 9.15a±0.89 (11) *
Scrotum length (cm) 15.10±1.10 (2) 14.26±0.94 (5) NS
Scrotum circumference (cm) 22.25±1.25 (2) 23.46±1.73 (5) NS

Means with uncommon superscripts differed along the row significantly. Figures in the parenthesis indicate the
number of observation, *= Significant at 5% level of probability (p<0.05), **= Significant at 1% level of
probability (p<0.01), ***= Significant at 0.1% level of probability (p<0.001), NS= Not significant (p>0.05).

Figure 1. Boer goat: Buck (left) and Doe (Right)

Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2018, 3 (1) 31

Figure 2. Jamunapari goat: Buck (left) and Doe (Right)

Table 2 shows the different morphometric measurements of Boer and Jamunapari goat. The body weight
significantly (p<0.001) differed between Boer goat (52.36±5.97 kg) and Jamunapari goat (39.26±3.00 kg). Horn
length of Boer goat (19.01±1.29 cm) was significantly (p<0.001) higher than Jamunapari goat (7.98±0.71 cm).
Head width and teat length of Jamunapari goat (33.82±0.85 cm and 9.15±0.89 cm) were significantly higher
(p<0.05) than Boer goat (30.23±0.63 cm and 5.80±0.87 cm). Rump width of Boer goat (17.87±0.61 cm)
significantly (p<0.05) differed with Jamunapari goat (15.19±0.59 cm). The Body length, height at wither, chest
girth and ear length of Boer goat were 69.96±2.09 cm, 67.98±1.19 cm, 78.39±2.04 cm and 19.43±0.90 cm,
respectively where as body length, height at wither, chest girth and ear length of Jamunpari goat were
72.13±1.63 cm, 69.69±1.29 cm, 79.18±2.04 cm and 21.23±0.66 cm respectively. Head length, rump length, tail
length, udder length, udder diameter, scrotum length and scrotum circumference of Boer goat were 22.29±0.52
cm, 13.87±1.28 cm, 13.91±0.71 cm, 21.83±5.15 cm, 30.33±4.41 cm, 15.10±1.10 cm and 22.25±1.25 cm,
respectively. Head length, rump length, tail length, udder length, udder diameter, scrotum length and scrotum
circumference of Jamunapari goat were 23.31±0.51 cm, 11.28±0.69 cm, 15.30±0.52 cm, 16.22±1.22 cm,
28.48±1.11 cm, 14.26±0.94 cm and 23.46±1.73 cm, respectively. The body weight of Boer goat was 34.9±5.22
kg. The body length, chest girth, wither height and scrotal circumference of Boer goat were 64.4±6.2 cm,
75.3±4.87 cm, 62.6±2.88 cm and 26.4±2.59 cm, respectively reported by Keith et al. (2009) which are almost
similar to the study. The body length, wither height, heart girth and ear length of Boer goat were 68.22±0.80 cm,
56.49±0.50 cm, 90.32±1.04 cm and 21.40±0.25 cm, respectively. The head length, head width, pelvic length,
pelvic width and tail length of Boer goat were 17.16±0.26 cm, 7.72±0.18 cm, 19.68±0.35 cm and 13.82±0.28
cm and 12.16±0.30 cm, respectively (Pieters, 2007) which are almost similar to the study. The body length,
chest of girth, wither height, head length and head width of Jamunapari goat were 114.45±7.6 cm, 79.00±1.00
cm, 70.2±2.2 cm, 20.5±0.8 cm,13.95±1.75 cm, respectively. The horn length, tail length and ear length of
Jamunapari goat were 14.65±3.8 cm, 16.7±0.7 cm and 23.7±0.3 cm, respectively. The udder length, udder
breadth, teat length and scrotum circumference of Jamunapari goat were 12.3±1.6 cm, 31.5±4.3 cm, 8.5±1.5cm
and 42.4±2.0 cm, respectively (Hassan et al., 2010) which are very similar to the present study.

4. Conclusions
Phenotype wise Boer goats have distinct characteristics. The body weight significantly (p<0.001) differed
between Boer goat and Jamunapari goat. Horn length of Boer goat was significantly (p<0.001) higher than
Jamunapari goat. Head width and teat length of Jamunapari goat were significantly higher (p<0.05) than Boer
goat. Rump width significantly (p<0.05) differed between Boer goat and Jamunapari goat.

Conflict of interest
None to declare.

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