Correlation analysis of production traits of domestic Balkan goat

The paper presents results of investigations of the domestic Balcan goat reared in the Sharplanina mounteinous region pertaining to phenotypic correlations between the most important production traits (milk production traits for 578 goats), and growth traits of kids (for 710 kids in the suckling period). Research was done in herds of Balkan goats belonging to private farmers, during a two-year period. Simple correlation between mentioned traits were calculated using a PC and the LSMLMW program (Harvey, 1990). Data pertaining to correlation coefficients established between investigated milk production traits of the domestic Balkan goat, reflect existing correlations, which in most cases, were positive and statistically significant (P<0,01). Very strong correlations were established between the 1 st and 2 nd milk production control, as well as between the daily milk yield and the 2 nd milk production control (0.796), as well as the total milk yield (0.870). Established coefficient were also statistically significant (P<0,01). Correlation between birth weight and the weight at specific ages (30, 60 and 90 days) were strong and very strong, while correlations between birth weight and average daily weight gain established by individual months (0.526, 0.553 and 0.384) varied between weak and strong, with an established weakening of correlations with advancing age.