Goat Rearing

Goat Rearing Introduction

A goat capra aegagrus hircus is a hollow horned small ruminant of the genus capra in the family of bovidae. Did you know that the goat, also called the ‘poor man’s cow; was the first animal domesticated for the purpose of food? The National Livestock Census of 2008 estimated the national goat population in Uganda to be 12.5 million. Of this, 12.3 million representing 98.4% were indigenous. What breed of goats do people in your community rear?

Compared to chicken at 37.4 million, goat production is still very low despite the increase in demand for goat meat. The cost of goats and their meat has continued to shoot up as a result of increased demand for goat meat. Moreover, the per capta meat consumption rate in Uganda is 6kgs per annum compared to the per capita 50 kgs recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

Goats can be reared on a small piece of land, are hardy and can survive feed inadequacies and temperature fluctuations. A well-cared for goat will reach the end of its life time without any disease incidence. With a low input requirement, goats make the best live bank for rural subsistence communities. Goats can be reared for their milk, meat and skin. Which other products do we obtain from goats? In this chapter therefore, you are going to learn how to rear and market goats profitably.

Breeds of Goats Reared in Uganda

A breed of goats is a family/stock of goats having a distinctive appearance and typically developed by deliberate selection. Did you know that goat breeds differ by origin, body size, colour and coat type? In Uganda, indigenous breeds are the most reared. Exotic goat population in Uganda is low but the exotic have higher productivity than indigenous breeds. What characteristics differentiate the breed you rear from others? Using Figure 3.4.1 and Activity 3.4.1, identify the characteristics of different breeds of goats kept in Uganda.

Name each of the breeds of goats shown in Figure 3.4.1.

Activity 3.4.1 a) Discovering the characteristics of breeds of goats

What you need:

Notebook, pen, camera

What to do:

1. In groups, visit a goat farmer near your school. You may alternatively watch a video or observe photographs of different breeds of goats.

2. Identify the breeds of goats that the farmer keeps or are in the video or photographs.

3. Note down the characteristics of the goat breeds.

4. Record the characteristics relating to feed conversion rate, mature weight, resistance to diseases and milk yield.

5. Find out the purpose of keeping each of the breeds of goats. Group the meat and dairy breeds separately.

6. Use the Internet or textbooks to research them, write down the dairy and meat breeds of goats.

7. Interview the farmer on the characteristics of other breeds of goats that he or she knows about. Group the breeds.

8. Visit the library or use the Internet and research about the origin, characteristics and products of different breeds of goats kept in Uganda.

9. Using the Internet or library, research and make your own notes on exotic breeds of goats such as Alpine, Anglo-Nubian, Saanen, Boer goat and Toggenburg, and local breeds like Mubende goat, Galla the small East African goat and Kigezi goat. goat,

10. Compare the characteristics of the breeds of goats with those in Figure 3.4.1. Which breed of goats will you rear? Give reasons for your answer.

11. State the differences between dairy breeds and meat breeds of goat.

12. With photographs, write an article for the Agriculture Magazine indicating the characteristics of breeds of goats kept in Uganda. Submit the article to the teacher for further guidance.

Activity 3.4.1 b) Exploring the characteristics of breeds of goats

What learners need:

Notebook, pen, camera

Instructions to the teacher:

1. In groups, discuss the qualities of the different breeds of goats presented in the following table.

2. Identify the photograph from Figure 3.4.1 that matches the qualities presented of each breed.

3. Record the letter that matches the features in the photograph column of the table.

Value of Goats in Nutritional and Financial Terms

Goat production has a number of nutritional and financial benefits for farming communities. Nutritional products like meat, milk and blood can be obtained from goats. In addition, goats are a source of income. Income can be generated from sale of live goats, milk or goat droppings as manure. Goat urine is used as a fertilizer to supply urea that adds nitrogen to the soil. Use Figure 3.4.2 and Activity 3.4.2 to explore the importance of goats.

Activity 34.2 Acting out a dialogue on the value of goats

What you need:

Notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In pairs, oct out the following dialogue between Nohabwe ag former, and Munda a nutritionist on the value of goats.

2. Answer the questions the diologue.

Nahabwe: Hello Mundu. I haven’t seen you in a really long time.

Mundu: Hello. Nice to meet you tool it has been a long time

Nahabwe: Welcome back Mundu. I also expanded my goat farming project. I now have 12 dairy and 11 meat goats on my farm.

Mundu: I have got it right! I want you to supply me three litres of mi per day. I prefer goat’s milk because it is easily digestible in young children and has a lot of vitamin A

Nahabwe: That’s right! Dairy goats have helped me earn daily income. Besides, I secured market for my goats in Kenya. I can earn in foreign currency.

Mundu: Good progress! In addition, I need two goats per week for my slaughter place that I have opened in Busia Town. I want to encourage people to eat goat meat because it is leaner than beef and contains iron and B vitamins. After slaughter, I will preserve the goat skins for later sale to leather industries.

Nahabwe: Well, am going to stock more to meet the demands.

Mundu: Thanks Nahabwe! Hope to meet you over the weekend.

Nahabwe: Good bye Mundu!

Task

1. According to the dialogue, what is the nutritional value of goats? 2. What benefits do farmers get from goat rearing?

3. Discuss and write down other nutritional and financial values of goat rearing

4. Why is goat rearing preferred to cattle keeping?

Choosing a Goat Breed for Rearing

In Uganda, 98.4% of the goats reared are indigenous (UBOS, 2009). However, exotic breeds of goats are highly productive. A mature male Boer goat weighs between 110-135 kg with a daily weight gain of 150-170 g white an indigenous mature male small East African goat weighs 25 kg with a daily weight gain of 25 g. Therefore, when choosing a goat to rear, one that reaches market weight earlier is better. Why should you rear a goat that reaches market weight earlier? Use Activity 3.4.3 to practise choosing a goat breed for rearing.

Activity 3.4.3 Choosing a breed of goat for rearing

What you need:

Notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, visit a goat keeper in your community or school farm.

2. Interview the farmer to find out how he or she selected the breed of goat he or she rears. .

3. Ask the farmer to tell you the benefits the breed of goat has over other breeds

4. Inquire about the availability of and access to market for the live goats and goat products of the breed he or she rears.

5. Ask the farmer or farm manager to share with you what other goat breeds are there for rearing.

6. Interview the farmer about what goat products are highly demanded in the locality.

7. Discuss with the farmer about other available goat breeds that best suit the farmer needs.

8. Design a criterion that you will use to choose a goat breed for rearing.

9. Choose a goat breed for rearing. Select a breed that meets the best performance.

10. Rear the goat breed and record your findings as the project progresses.

Caring for Goats

Goat management is one of the least labour and time intensive livestock enterprises. The management of goats for profit involves a number of practices such as proper feeding, proper housing, vaccination and treatment of infections, etc. What other practices can you identify? Ensuring good care of goats enables a farmer to obtain optimum returns on the investment. Use Figure 3.4.3 and Activity 3.4.4 to learn about rearing and managing goats.

Activity 3.4.4 Establishing and managing a goat project

What you need:

Selected breed of goats, goat feeds, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, brainstorm on how you are going to establish a goat project.

2. Plan your goat rearing project by considering and discussing what will make it a success.

3. List all the materials you will need and discuss how to obtain them- borrowing, hiring or buying.

4. Make a budget to guide you attain the tools, materials and facilities in time. Why do you need a budget for this project?

5. Discuss the care practices that you will have for the kids, the billy, and nanny goats?

6. How will the care practices help in proper growth of the kids, billy and nanny goats on the farm?

7. Share your plan with other groups. Adjust the plan accordingly.

8. Use the plan to establish and manage a goat rearing project profitably.

9. During the management of the project, practise the following to care for the kids and adult goats.

Systems of Breeding and Mating Goats

The number of male animals that a female mates with in a single breeding season is what is known as the mating system. Breeding means selecting animals to be parents of the next generation. Due to changing societal demands for animal products, farmers select goats to give offspring whose products will satisfy consumer needs. Did you know that selective mating and breeding will help you get the desirable characteristics in the animal and avoid undesirable ones? Use Activity 3.4.5 to explore the systems of breeding and mating goats.

Activity 3.4.5 Identifying systems of breeding and mating goats

What you need:

Sentence slips, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, use the Internet or visit the library and research on the systems of mating and breeding goats. Present your findings to class.

2. Discuss the systems of mating and breeding presented the sentence slips.

3. Identify the systems of mating that you will carry out on your goat project giving reasons for your answer.

4. Identify the breeds of goats that you will allow to mate. Give reasons for your answer.

5. Research from the Internet, textbooks journals, brochures or resource persons and record the advantages and disadvantages of each of the mating systems identified.

6. Research and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of the

7. Summarise your findings in a table showing the meaning, advantages and disadvantages of each of the systems of mating and breeding.

8. Practise the systems of mating and breeding in your goat project.

Weaning and Rearing of Weaners

Weaning is the gradual introduction of solid food to a kid in addition to milk until the kid can completely be stopped from suckling. Weaning is important because it enables the mother to regain strength after pregnancy and lactation. It is important to prepare the kid for weaning through the gradual introduction of a suitable creep-feed ration from the age of three weeks. For males, the ideal weaning age is 12 to 16 weeks. For females, it is 16 to 18 weeks. How do you think farmers care for the weaned kids (weaners)? Use Activity 3.4.6 to understand the importance of weaning and rearing of weaners.

Activity 3.4.6 Weaning and rearing of weaners

What you need:

Notebook, pen, weaning information cards

What to do:

1. In groups, you will be presented with cards having some missing information on weaning.

2. Fill the spaces and discuss the information to bring together individual experiences about weaning.

A. Identifying the importance of weaning

3. Select answers from the following words to fill the gaps: food, kid, forage or grass, weaning, milk, pregnancy, nutrients, mother, tissues, kid, development, feed, mother

a) prepares the for the next breeding cycle. The mother builds udder….. in preparation for the next……

b) It provides the ….. with the bulk of feed required for rumen

c) Helps the kid to get accustomed to independently without the mother’s d) It provides the kid with so that it can survive absent in the mother’s……

e) Weaning helps kids to search for their own. This is important for the growth of the kid when the mother is not getting enough nutritious ….

4. State how else weaning is important in goat rearing.

5. Discuss how weaning is done in goats?

B. Rearing weaners

Did you know that weaners usually suffer from post-weaning stress? How can you help weaners to overcome the stress?

a) Wean at an appropriate age of at least 12… when the kid is about three times its… weight. (body, months, weeks, years)

b) Monitor the … rate of the kid in terms of regular … to check for weight gain. (feeding, weighing, growth, kidding)

c) Feed… on highly… feeds like concentrates and mineral and vitamin supplements. (males, weaners, balanced, nutritious)

d) Vaccinate, deworm and treat conditions early. Treat… infestations and… infections. (disease, predator, parasite)

e) Provide a… with adequate bedding to keep them… throughout the

night (hot, warm, weaner)

f) Provide water and forage bulk… (all the time) making sure that the

… is safe for the weaners to drink. (feed, water, ad libitum)

g) … or disbud weaners at the right time since horns are not desirable in domestic… and can be destructive. (rabbits, animals, dehorn)

h) Male weaners can reach breeding age at 4… but should not be allowed to… until they are one year old. (weeks, breed, months)

i) Female… should not be mated at their first… until they are 12 old. Discuss and write down the signs of heat in goats. (time, weaners, years, months)

6. Discuss and write down the signs of heat in goats.

7. What other practices in weaner rearing can you identify? Share the practices with other group members.

8. Read out the sentences in groups A and B to get corrections from the audience. Did you fill all the spaces correctly? Share with other group members.

Production and Conservation of Pastures for Goats

Pasture production involves growing of legume and cereal plants for feeding livestock. What legume or cereal pastures do you know? Goats have a complex polygastric stomach that can easily convert low quality fibrous herbage into nutritious products. The supply of regular, nutritious and well balanced feed is an important aspect in the management of livestock, for improved feeding gives healthier and more productive animals.

Conservation of pasture is based on the knowledge that supply is not regular throughout the year. Pasture conservation is recommended when forage is excess for use during the time when it is inadequate. Using Figure 3.4.4 and Activity 3.4.7, you will learn how to produce and conserve pasture.

Activity 3.4.7 Producing and conserving pasture for goats

What you need:

Garden tools, pasture seeds, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, identify a site on the school garden for fodder crop production.

2. Prepare the land and sow the desired fodder crop like maize, sorghum, elephant or napier grass.

3. Carry out all management practices on the farm to produce good quality fodder.

4. Cut the fodder crop just before flowering. Put the cut pasture in the sun to dry to not above 18% moisture content to make hay.

5. For standing hay, properly time the growing season such that the dry season will set in when the crop is about to flower. Leave the fodder crop to dry while standing in the field.

6. Using a hay baler machine or manually, compress the dry feed and form bales to ease transportation and storage.

7. For silage, chop the cut fodder into pieces of about 1-3 cm. Add molasses and bury the feed in an airtight enclosure.

8. Feed hay and silage to animals in the season when natural herbage is inadequate. Observe and record the palatability of the feed to the goats.

9. Identify the goat feeds that are available for feeding goats in your community. Suggest how you can increase the production of pasture in your community.

10. Select the goat feeds you will prepare for your goats in the dry season. Give reasons for your answer.

11. Check the quality of your silage for the following. Write the condition of the silage in the remarks column.

Processing and Marketing of Goat and Goat Products

Processing is the conversion of raw products to a more desirable form that usually has improved shelf-life with ease of storage, transportation, and marketability. There are different forms of processed goat meat and milk products on market in Uganda. What processed chevon or goat meat do you know? Use Figure 3.4.5 and Activity 3.4.8 to practise processing and marketing goats and their products.

Activity 3.4.8 Processing and marketing goat and goat products

What you need:

Mature goats, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, identify mature goats of about 5-12 months of age and 11 kg of live body weight.

2. Compile the content of your marketing plan (what product-goats or goat products, to who-buyers or market, where-place of sale, when- period, how-processed or not).

3. Discuss how you will process goat meat or milk? You may plan to roast the meat and process milk into yoghurt. Record and follow good manufacturing practices during processing of goat products. Get information from the public health (meat rules) act.

4. Identify the policies governing goat sales as stipulated in the public health (meat) rules.

5. Execute the marketing plan following the standards. 6. Adjust according to the market forces and conditions.

7. Explain the challenges that you faced during the processing and marketing of goats and goat products.

8. State the ways you overcame the challenges that you faced during the process.

9. Discuss how you will avoid the challenges during the next processing and marketing season for your goat and goat products.

10. Write a report to discuss the findings of the processing and marketing activity.

Quote: A consumer wants a product he or she requires now, (regularity), on the shelf he or she found it the previous day, equal in appearance to the previous purchase (brand), equal in quality to the previous purchase (consistency), and feel satisfied that he or she can trust its safety for consumption (traceability).

Entrepreneurial Skills in Goat Rearing

Entrepreneurship is the creation of a new business, bearing most of the risks and enjoying most of the rewards. Did you know that you need entrepreneurial skills Like risk tolerance, resilience, communication, negotiation and problem solving to succeed in goat production as a business? What other entrepreneurial skills do you need to manage a goat production project profitably? Entrepreneurial skills are needed to run business enterprises profitably. Such skills help the farmer engaging in commercial agriculture to predict and manage losses timely. Use Activity 3.4.9 to learn about and apply entrepreneurial skills required in goat rearing.

Activity 3.4.9 Exploring entrepreneurial skills in goat rearing

What you need:

Goats, notebook, pen

What to do:

1. In groups, you will receive two goats for rearing.

2. Prepare a goat rearing plan that you will use to ensure that all goats reach market weight early or give you a good quantity.

3. Display your plan and receive feedback from the class. What changes would you make if any and why?

4. Rear the goats following the production plan.

5. State the challenges that you faced in goat production.

6. State the ways you overcame the challenges you faced during the rearing of goats.

7. Discuss how you will rear another goat a lot more profitably?

8. Make an evaluation of the entrepreneurial skills you used to rear the goats? What do you need to do better? Give reasons for your answer.

9. Write a criterion for business goat rearing describing what entrepreneurial skills you need and where to and why apply them.

10. Using the entrepreneurial skills identified, discuss and write down the characteristics of an ideal commercial goat farmer on a manila paper.

11. Seal the manila paper in water-proof material and display it at the goat project section in your school.

12. Check the characteristics of an ideal goat farmer presented in the following table. As a budding goat farmer, give a comment about yourself (in the remarks column).