Productive characterisation of a goat breed: study of growth and CSN1S1 gene polymorphism

The results of the productive characterisation of the Blanca de Rasquera goat meat breed are presented within the framework of a Conservation Programme. The 125 animals included in the study were randomly chosen from among six farms under an extensive production system and natural lactation. The growth of kids was characterised by quantifying body weight from birth to slaughter. The influence of sex and type of birth on growth was evaluated. Kids showed a good growth rate (123 g/day on average for the period 0-45 days), comparable to, or slightly lower than, other Spanish autochthonous meat breeds. As expected, the type of birth and sex significantly influenced weight and the growth of kids. A random sample of 36 individuals was analysed in relation to the αS1-casein gene (CSN1S1). A greater frequency (62.5%) was found for alleles associated with high αS1-casein quantity in milk, indicating its good potential and technological quality for cheese production.