Breeding objectives and selection criteria for four strains of Pakistani Beetal goats identified in a participatory approach

Abstract Pakistan is among the largest goat producing countries in the world exhibiting rich diversity between and within goat breeds. The implementation of any genetic improvement intervention for such a diverse goat population requires a clear definition of breeding objectives and selection criteria, tailored to the needs of goat farming community. Appreciating the importance and diversity of the Beetal goats, this study was designed to identify the selection criteria and consequently, to define the breeding objectives of the four strains of Beetal goats, namely Beetal Faisalabadi, Beetal Makhi-Cheeni, Beetal Nuqri, and Beetal Rahim Yar Khan. A participatory approach was used for this purpose. A questionnaire was developed, and a survey was conducted at four sites of the Punjab province of Pakistan: Faisalabad/Sahiwal, Bahawalpur/Bahawalnagar, Rajanpur, and Rahim Yar Khan. The Beetal goat breeders (n = 162) were asked to rank the traits of their selection criteria and breeding objectives were then inferred based on the relative importance of the selected traits. The prevailing production system was also characterized by the breeders. Data obtained from the survey were subjected to statistical analysis using the R programming language. Although the results showed diversity in the selection criteria opted by the breeders of the different strains, the convergence of the criteria was possible. Overall, the preference of morphological traits was highlighted. Nose shape, body length, udder size, ear size and body color emerged as the most preferred selection traits. Adaptation of subjective rather than objective selection criteria was evident. The production of animals with certain morphological attributes along with improved meat and milk production constituted the breeding objectives of the breeders.