Genetic Resources and Diversity in Pakistani Goats
Goats are the fastest growing ruminants in Pakistan. Preference for goat meat is the major reason for its increased demand. There are 25 goat breeds in the country and two wild relatives such as Markhor and Ibex. Estimated goat population in the country in 2006 is 53.8 millions. Documentation of goat breeds have depended mostly on the annual reports of various research institutes involved in goat production. Meat is the primary breeding objective and milk gets the secondary importance. Appreciable diversity among and within goat breeds exists for morphological, growth, fertility and other traits. Adult body weight, for example, may vary from 20 200 kg. Crossbreeding at farmer level continues to some extent. Organized crossbreeding efforts include crossing of Hairy and imported Angora for the production of mohair. However, crossbreds could not achieve status of commercial animals and are being kept as pets. Any new attempt for crossbreeding should thus be recommended in the light of previous attempts, because short term breeding objectives and limited technical and financial resources could result in failures only. Within breed selection is a preferred strategy for improvement of traits of economic importance but this requires capacity building of various stakeholders. Indigenous goat resources can be better utilized on sustainable basis if efforts of research and development address indigenous problems. Breed documentation both at phenotypic and genetic level is a priority research area.