Ultrasound measurements of live and carcass traits in Tswana goat kids raised under semi-intensive system in South-eastern Botswana.

The aim of this study was to characterise ultrasound measurements of live and carcass traits in intact males, females and castrated Tswana goat kids from birth to 12 months of age raised under semi-intensive system in South-eastern Botswana. Measurements were recorded in 15 castrates, 15 intact males and 15 female Tswana goat kids randomly selected at birth. Ultrasonic fat and muscle depths were measured at the first, third/fourth, sixth/seventh, ninth/tenth and 12th/13th thoracic; first, third and fifth lumbar and first, second/third and fourth/fifth sternal vertebrae, fortnightly for the first 6 months and then monthly for the remaining 6 months.