Distribution, characteristics and production performance of Kanni Adu goats of Tamil Nadu

The habitat and distribution of Kanni Adu goats were studied by survey in s outhern districts of Tamil Nadu. Data on physical traits (n=856) and body w eights (n=532) were recorded in Kanni Adu goats of varying age groups in bo th sexes from farmers' herds. The study revealed that they were distributed in Virudunagar, Tuticorin and Tirunelveli districts of southern Tamil Nadu . They were tall animals, predominantly black and there were 2 colour varie ties, viz. Pal-Kanni and Cheng-Kanni. Their average herd size was 16.8. The pooled means for height at withers, chest girth and body length at full mo uth age were 78.35 +/- 0.31, 73.92 +/- 0.28 and 71.49 +/- 0.27 cm respectiv ely. The pooled means of body weight of kids at 3, 6, 9 to 10 and 11 to 12 months of age were 10.94 +/- 0.39, 12.70 +/- 0.38, 15.24 +/- 0.36 and 16.86 +/- 0.52 kg respectively In adults, the body weight at 2-tooth, 4-tooth, 6 -tooth and full mouth were 21.64 +/- 0.44, 24.95 +/- 0.56, 28.24 +/- 0.84 a nd 31.16 +/- 0.43 kg respectively. The dressing percentage at 6 months and 9 to 12 months were 44.77 +/- 0.95 and 46.46 +/- 0.98 respectively.