Anglo-Nubian goat with protective maternal aura.

Unlocking Goat Growth: How Maternal Care Shapes Anglo-Nubian Development

Kai Mendoza in Science & Nature December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the surprising impact of a mother's environment on the growth of Anglo-Nubian goats, and how these insights can revolutionize breeding strategies."

In goat farming, especially for meat production, optimizing growth is crucial. Body weight measurements throughout an animal's life provide valuable insights for genetic evaluation, offering a cost-effective way to assess their potential.

However, accurately assessing a goat's genetic potential requires understanding various factors that influence growth. These include the statistical model used, how variance is estimated, and the specific effects considered, such as maternal factors.

This article explores research focused on Anglo-Nubian goats, a breed known for both meat and milk production. The study investigates how maternal effects, particularly the mother's environment, impact the growth of kids from birth to 196 days old. By identifying the most influential factors, breeders can make more informed decisions to enhance genetic progress and improve overall herd productivity.

The Power of Mom's Environment: More Than Just Good Genes

Anglo-Nubian goat with protective maternal aura.

Traditional genetic evaluations often overlook the significant role of maternal effects, specifically the impact of the mother's environment on offspring development. This study, however, highlights the importance of considering these environmental factors to gain a more accurate picture of a goat's true genetic potential.

Researchers in Brazil investigated various models to estimate genetic parameters for Anglo-Nubian goats, focusing on weights from birth to 196 days. They examined the influence of:

Maternal genetic effects
Maternal permanent environment (consistent factors like farm location)
Maternal temporary environment (variable factors like health during pregnancy)
Covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects

Using sophisticated statistical methods, the study revealed that the maternal temporary environment had the most substantial impact on kid growth. This temporary environment, encompassing factors like the mother's health and nutrition during specific periods, accounted for a significant 33% to 44% of the variation in kid weights. This suggests that a mother's well-being during pregnancy and lactation plays a pivotal role in shaping her offspring's growth trajectory.

Breeding Smarter: Optimizing for Growth

The findings from this study have significant implications for Anglo-Nubian goat breeding programs. By recognizing the powerful influence of the maternal temporary environment, breeders can shift their focus to holistic management strategies.

This includes prioritizing the health and nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating does to positively impact kid growth. Selecting for both direct genetic effects and maternal environmental resilience can accelerate genetic progress, leading to more productive and profitable herds.

In conclusion, while genetics are undoubtedly important, the maternal environment, especially temporary factors, holds considerable sway in shaping the growth of Anglo-Nubian goats. Savvy breeders can leverage these insights to optimize their management practices and unlock the full genetic potential of their animals.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s1519-99402013000200001, Alternate LINK

Title: Modelagem Do Efeito Materno E Estimativa De Parâmetros Genéticos Para Pesos Corporais De Caprinos Anglo Nubiano

Subject: Animal Science and Zoology

Journal: Revista Brasileira de Saúde e Produção Animal

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Gleyson Vieira Dos Santos, José Ernandes Rufino De Sousa, José Lindenberg Rocha Sarmento, Severino Cavalcante De Sousa Júnior, Wandrick Hauss De Sousa, Daniel Biagiotti, Natanael Pereira Da Silva Santos, Aurino De Araujo Rêgo Neto

Published: 2013-06-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why was the Anglo-Nubian goat breed chosen for this research?

The study focuses on the Anglo-Nubian goat breed because they are valued for both meat and milk production. Understanding factors that influence their growth is crucial for improving overall herd productivity. This includes looking at maternal effects and how they impact the growth of kids.

What are maternal effects, and why are they important in goat breeding?

Maternal effects are environmental factors, especially those related to the mother's condition, that influence the growth of her offspring. These include both the *maternal temporary environment* (like the mother's health and nutrition during pregnancy) and the *maternal permanent environment* (such as farm location). Considering these factors is essential for an accurate assessment of a goat's genetic potential.

Which factor had the most significant impact on kid growth, according to the study?

The *maternal temporary environment* had the most significant impact on kid growth in the study, accounting for a substantial portion of the variation in weights. This environment includes factors like the mother's health and nutrition during pregnancy and lactation. This highlights that a mother's well-being during these critical periods significantly shapes her offspring's growth, emphasizing the importance of proper care and management.

What specific factors did the research investigate?

The research examined several factors, including *maternal genetic effects*, *maternal permanent environment*, *maternal temporary environment*, and the *covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects*. These elements were analyzed using sophisticated statistical models to understand their influence on kid growth, from birth to 196 days old. The study sought to quantify each factor's impact on the Anglo-Nubian goats' growth patterns.

How can breeders use the study's findings to improve their practices?

The findings support the implementation of holistic management strategies that prioritize the mother's health and well-being. This involves providing optimal nutrition, healthcare, and a favorable environment for pregnant and lactating does. By focusing on these strategies, breeders can improve the overall growth of Anglo-Nubian kids and enhance the effectiveness of breeding programs, leading to greater genetic progress and productivity.