SUMMARY
Objective of the current study was to evaluate the milk yield, health, reproductive rate and fitness indicators in two Romanian indigenous goat breeds, selected for milk (Banat White) and unimproved (Carpatina), managed under extensive rearing conditions. Milk yield in Carpatina goats was on average 323.6±1.68 kg/lactation, compared to that of Banat’s White does of 561.4±1.43 kg, differences for milk production under identical rearing conditions being significant (p=0.001). Prolificacy in the two breeds was significantly influenced by the genotype (p=0.001), with average litter size of 148.0±0.49% in Carpatina, and 184.8±0.51% in Banat’s White does. Growth rates in the un-weaned kids were on average of 119.8±0.86 g/day in Carpatina and of 134.3±0.76 g/day in Banat’s White breeds (p=0.05). Adult does annual voluntary culling rate was on average 16.4±1.46 % in Carpatina and of 20.6±1.88% in Banat’s White breed (p=0.05). Clinical mastitis incidence was significantly lower (p=0.05) in Carpatina goats (2.88±1.65%) compared to that of Banat White (4.65±2.28%). Significant differences (p=0.05) for lameness were found between Carpatina and Banat White populations, with occurrence rates of 3.85±1.89% and 5.81±2.54%, respectively. Abortion and pneumonia incidence were not affected (p>0.05) by selection pressure among the two breeds.