Abstract :
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of hip height and width and relevanf demographic information to predict body weight (BW) of local goats. Seven regression models were developed from 220 records of 154 goats. Parity, hip height, hip width, and age were consistently related with BW. The coefficients of multiple determinations varied from 80 to 89%. The number of significant factors and parameter estimates of the models differed among groups of goats. These differences were due to locations and feeding regimen. This study indicate that a reliable model for estimating BW of goats maintained in a wide range of environments can be developed using body measurements, demographic information, and measurements of hip height and hip width. However, for management purposes, substantial improvements can be obtained by developing . models for each location.
