BREEDING PROGRAMS FOR ENHANCING DISEASE RESISTANCE IN GOATS: FOCUSING ON PARASITIC INFECTIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of breeding programs aimed at enhancing parasitic resistance in goats, with a particular focus on gastrointestinal nematodes (Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis). Utilizing a combination of genomic selection and phenotypic assessment, we identified significant genetic markers associated with reduced parasite burdens. Our results show a 12% genetic gain in reduced parasite load over four generations, with heritability estimates for resistance traits ranging from 0.38 to 0.45. The selected goats demonstrated a 20% increase in weight gain and a 30% reduction in parasite load compared to the control group. The studies demonstrate that parasite resistance breeding both controls parasites effectively and improves herd performance through weight gain along with improved milk production in selected goats. Genomic selection demonstrates potential to speed up genetic improvement of parasitic resistance according to the research while ongoing obstacles exist for its implementation due to cost and complexity factors. The research demonstrates sustainable disease control methods in goats through breeding provide an attractive substitute to chemical treatments and promote extended health and productivity within goat farming systems.