Black-bone goat: An investigation report on new genetic resource of farm animal

Black-bone goat is a unique local population recently discovered in Tongshan, Hubei province, China. Its geographical distribution, natural environment and ecological conditions were investigated. The Black-bone goat is mainly distributed in the mountainous area of Tongshan County. Using random sampling, its body shape and appearances, size and weight, reproductive performance and carcass characteristics were examined. The birth weight at 3, 6, 12 and 36 months of age for males were 1.83, 9.50, 14.01, 24.25 and 37.88 kg while those of females were 1.60, 8.75, 13.78, 23.53 and 34.19 kg, respectively. The live weight, dressed weight, dressing percentage, meat weight and meat percentage at 12 months was 22.32 kg, 10.95 kg, 49.02%, 8.01 kg and 35.42%, respectively. The litter size is 1.85. Based on historical materials including literature and folklore, the origin and medical applications of the Black-bone goat were analyzed. Finally, suggestions on preservation were proposed.   Key words: Black-bone goat, body weight, carcass characteristics, reproductive performance, genetic resources.