Comparison of Galla with small East African goats in northern Kenya

A herd of small East African (SEA) (or Maasai) goats and Galla (Long-eared Somali) immatures were used for this study at the Olturot substation of NALRC. The goats were ear-eagged and milk records were taken once a week using the system established by UNESCO-IPAL the predecessors of NALRC. Birth weights were taken within the first 12 hours while subsequent weights were taken every month. The overall average milk yields of Galla goats were significantly higher than those of the SEA goats. In each of the three study years Gallas out-yielded SEA goats. Year-seasonal effects on milk yield were apparent in that those goats which kidded in Jan-Feb (between the short and long rainy periods) produced more milk irrespective of year. Lactation length and kidding interval of Galla goats were longer than that of SEA goats. Lactation curves for 1987 and 1988 kidding show that rainfall through its effects on browse availability affects their shape especially their persistency. Despite having very similar birth weights, age specific weights show the superiority of the Galla over SEA goats when comparisons are restricted to within sexes.