GOAT FARMING

 Goat farming involves the raising and breeding of domestic goats. Goats are multipurpose animals which are bred for milk, meat,fibre and skins.

The southern African goat population exceeds 35 million animals most of which are kept in small scale traditional production systems in communal areas. Approximately70% of southern African goats are kept under traditional management systems where the farm structure comprises of twenty goats.


There are various goat breeds in southern Africa. In Malawi the most used breed is the Malawian goat and these goats are kept in small scale traditional systems in communal areas. These traditional production systems are characterized by informal,lowly skilled labor,small number of animals and limited resources.
An example of a typical goat house.


Indigenous goats have developed mechanisms which allow them to adapt to high environmental temperatures and achieve thermo tolerance in extremely challenging environment. These goats are resistant to heat stress, droughts,food and water scarcity as well as diseases. They can maintain production and reproduction performance under harsh environmental conditions. This is in part due to their smaller body sizes which enables efficient utilisation of low quality forage and there tolerance to water scarcity and ability to retain superior thermoregulation.

Goats are of high significance. Goat meat can significantly contribute to food security as they provide meat and milk for human consumption.Goats also play a vital role in the cultural, social and economic life of people. They are used to help in conducting ceremonies and rituals;make linkages with ancestors,pay bride wealth (lobola) and gain social status.

Goats have various functions in communities in developing countries like Malawi therefore goat farming has proven to be of high significance.








 


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