Fertility Traits and Evaluation of Environmental Factors and Body Measurements in Saanen Goats Raised in Bursa

This research was conducted to determine the fertility characteristics of Saanen goats raised in Bursa Province, Turkey, and their relationships with environmental factors. Insemination, pregnancy, and birth data of goats were recorded for a five-year period (2018-2022). Breeding records included the mating date and identification number of each mated goat. During the study period, pregnancies were monitored by ultrasonography. Birth weight was 3259.34±64.53 g in single-born kids and 3011.97±25.75 g in multiple-born kids. In addition, the birth weights recorded across the study years were 3176.17±60.04 g in Year I, 2813.85±44.39 g in Year II, and 3353.40±50.02 g in Year III. In Years IV and V, the values were 3050.00±53.98 g and 2971.34±51.52 g, respectively. The mean birth weight was 3130.12±36.18 g for male kids, 2988.51±32.95 g for female kids, and 3063.01±24.82 g for Saanen kids overall. The single birth rate, multiple birth rate, survival rate, mortality rate, and litter size were 39%, 61%, 72%, 28%, and 1.7, respectively. In terms of fertility and birth weight characteristics of Saanen goats, compared with the breed's fertility characteristics in breeding regions and other countries, it can be stated that the breed shows similar performance in Bursa province.