Background: The present study is focused on documentation of the husbandry practices and phenotypic characterization of Bidri goats, which is essential in recognition and improvement of this breed.
Methods: A total of 20 random flocks in 7 villages were investigated. Data was collected as per the standard format suggested by ICAR-NBAGR (2012) and was statistically analyzed using analysis of variance in R software environment.
Result: The average flock size of these goats was 33.43±4.73. The smaller flocks were generally housed in the part of residence, whereas, larger flocks (30-40 goats) were housed separately. Random mating was observed as males and females were grazed and housed together. These goats were predominantly black (73%), but black with white patches on ears, forehead, neck and knees (18%) and black with brown coat color (9%) were also found. The eyelids, muzzle and hooves were generally black in color and few exceptions were also seen. The forehead was straight in most of the goats but it was convex and concave shaped in very few. In these goats, 78 per cent were horned and were generally upwards, backwards, outward and curved, 13 per cent had downwards, backwards, outward and curved horns. Majority of these goats have pendulous ears and very few had horizontal ears. The average age at first estrus, first kidding, weaning age and kidding interval observed were 10.33±0.24, 17.57±0.40, 4-6 and 8.48±0.38 months, respectively. Usually the first kidding was single; twinning and triplet was 40 and 5 per cent of the breedable does, respectively. The mean body weight was 32.88±1.04 kg in bucks and 30.08±0.59 kg in does. Bidri goats are distinct and selective breeding would improvise the economic traits in these goats.