Comparison of nonlinear growth models to describe the growth curve and reproductive performance in Mahabadi goats

The objectives of this study were to identify a suitable mathematical method for describing the growth traits of Mahabadi goat. Thereafter, four non-linear growth function of Brody, Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy were applied. Growth curve analyzed based on weekly records of live weight form birth to 105 days of Mahabadi goat breed. Growth models were fitted to a total of 2036 weight-age data belonging to 126 kids. The growth models were compared by using the coefficient of determination (R2), Root mean square error (MSE) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). Among all non-linear models, the Brody function had the smallest AIC and MSE values and the higher R2 value, indicating the best fit for Mahabadi breed growth data. Average of birth weight, weaning weight (105days old) and pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG) for Mahabadi goat were3.25kg, 13.5kg and 0.092kg, respectively. The results of this study can help farmer to management strategies and make decision in selection and culling of kids through the growth curve.