Role of fecundity genes in prolificacy of small ruminants.

The aim of every breeder is to get maximum profit possible from the animal he is rearing. This can be achieved by improving the genetic worth of the stock by proper selection methods. For the traits that are to be selected, their relative economic value should be established. Kidding/lambing percentage is the most important factor affecting profitability in small ruminants. Increasing prolificacy offers greater potential for improving reproduction rate and production efficiency. Only way to increase the numerical productivity (no. of kids produced per goat per year) is that those which are closely linked to reproductive parameters. Improvement of reproductive traits in livestock species has become of increasing interest,especially in small ruminants, where small increases in litter size can equal large gains in profit.