Phenotypic characterization and performance evaluation ofMolai Adu goats in their native tract of Tamil Nadu

This study documented the habitat, morphological, morphometric, production and reproductive traits of Molai Adu goats in Tamil Nadu. Data was collected from 699 goats of both sexes across different age groups (birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months; 2-tooth, 4-tooth, 6-tooth and full-mouth stages) through field survey conducted in 29 villages within the Gobichettipalayam, Perundurai, Nambiyur, Bhavani and Erode blocks of Erode district. Morphological traits, body weights, and linear body measurements were recorded, and information on reproductive traits was obtained through direct observation and farmer interviews. Molai Adu goats are medium-sized, predominantly white in colour with occasional light brown patches. The pooled means for height at withers at 2-tooth, 4-tooth, 6-tooth and fullmouth stages were 61.25 ± 0.14, 63.92 ± 0.62, 65.96 ± 0.14 and 68.44 ± 0.26 cm, respectively. Corresponding chest girth values were 66.26 ± 0.22, 70.81 ± 0.58, 72.18 ± 0.26 and 74.02 ± 0.24 cm. The least-squares means for body weight across sexes were 25.28 ± 0.33 kg (2-tooth), 27.82 ± 0.26 kg (4-tooth), 31.24 ± 0.36 kg (6-tooth) and 35.42 ± 0.28 kg (full mouth). The average kidding interval was 8.2 months, with a mean litter size of 1.74 across parities. The findings indicated that Molai Adu goats possess distinct physical and functional traits that differentiate them from other native breeds of Tamil Nadu, emphasizing the importance of formal recognition to safeguard this unique genetic resource.