Hello, welcome to this blog Post. In this article, I will be writing on the importance of Goat farming and system of rearing in agriculture, Description, characteristics, terminologies and uses of Goat.
Description: Goat is a hollow hand small ruminants also belonging to the family of the Bovidea of the genus capra. Goat is reared for its meat, milk and hide and skin e.g. Morocco leather from sokoto Red. Goat milk is the richest of all the make produced by animals including man.
Goats are versatile animals known for their curiosity and ability to adapt to various environments.
Characteristics Of Goat
Goats exhibit characteristics such as agility, curiosity, social behavior, and the ability to consume a wide range of vegetation. They are known for their hardiness and resilience in different climates. Goats are also valuable for milk, meat, and fiber production.
- Goats are tough and hard animals that can survive unfavorable environmental condition.
- They are small body animal.
- They can produce kids twice in a year.
- Goats are reared mainly for skin, meat, milk and fiber.
- Male goats are often bearded.
- Goats are very inquisitive animals.
- Both male and female goats have horns.
- They are mostly reared on the extensive system of management.
- They have a gestation period of between 145 to 154 days or 4 to 5 months.
- They can browse on many forage plants. hence, the cause of producing goats is cheap.
SYSTEM OF REARING GOAT
The System of Goat rearing: What is goat rearing? Goat rearing, also known as goat farming, is the practice of raising goats for various purposes, such as milk, meat, fiber, and even as pets. It involves providing proper care, nutrition, and shelter for goats to ensure their well-being and productivity. Goat rearing requires knowledge of different goat breeds, their specific needs, and management practices. It can be a sustainable and profitable venture when done with attention to factors like health, breeding, and overall herd management.
The followings are the system of Goat Rearing
Extensive System of Goat Rearing
Under the system of Goat Rearing, the goat is allowed to roam about in search of pasture and water. A goat can thrive on any edible material and browses even in extreme condition of drought and rain. It can fend for itself under any condition. It requires very little care as no good housing, feeding and health care are provided. Although the system is cheap the animals are exposed to adverse whether conditions and thieves.
Semi Intensive System of Goat Rearing
In a semi-intensive system of goat rearing, there’s a combination of free-range grazing and controlled management. Goats have access to grazing areas but are also provided with supplementary feeds. This system requires some infrastructure for feeding and shelter. It strikes a balance between natural forage and controlled conditions, allowing for a moderate level of intervention compared to extensive systems. The system needs little initial capital outlay but large labor requirements.
Intensive System of Goat Rearing
In an intensive system of goat rearing, there is close management and control over various aspects of husbandry. Goats are typically housed in structures providing protection, and their diet is carefully regulated with controlled feeding. This system demands significant investment in infrastructure, feeding, and healthcare. The intensive approach allows for higher productivity in terms of milk, meat, or fiber production, as it involves more direct oversight and intervention. This system saves labour, increases production, maintains good records and reduces mortality. It is however requires high capital expenditure in terms of housing, medication and feeding.
Terminologies Used In Goat
- Buck: Adult male goat.
- Doe: Adult female goat.
- Kid: Young goat.
- Kidding: Process of giving birth to baby goats.
- Wether: Castrated male goat.
- Caprine: Relating to goats.
- Chevon: Meat from goats.
- Kidney Worm: Parasitic worm affecting the kidneys of goats.
- Scours: Diarrhea in goats.
- Capriculture: The science and art of goat keeping.
- Browse: Woody plants or shrubs consumed by goats.
- Browsing: Act of goats feeding on shrubs and trees.
Management Of Goat
The management of goat from breeding to market weight or size is group into Three faces these are:
- from breeding to kidding,
- from kidding (birth of kid) to weaning and
- from weaning to finishing (market size)
IMPORTANCE OF GOAT FARMING
Here are the importance of goat farming:
1. It provides a source of income for many households, especially in rural areas. It serves as a livelihood strategy for small-scale farmers and contributes to poverty alleviation.
2. Certain breeds, like Angora and Cashmere, produce valuable fibers (mohair and cashmere) used in textiles.
3. Another importance of Goat farming is Goat meat (chevon or mutton). Goat meat is a significant protein source in many cultures.
4. Goats provide milk: Milk is another importance of goat farming, milk which is consumed directly or used to make various dairy products like cheese and yogurt.
5. Goats can thrive in diverse environments, utilizing land unsuitable for other agricultural purposes.
6. Goat farming system can be sustainable, requiring fewer resources compared to larger livestock.
7. Goat farming system can contribute to rural development by creating employment opportunities, promoting local businesses (e.g., processing and marketing), and improving infrastructure.
8 For export opportunities. Goat products, particularly meat and fibers, can be exported, providing countries with economic benefits through international trade.
9. Good for manure production. Goat manure is a valuable organic fertilizer, contributing to soil fertility and reducing the need for chemical inputs in agriculture.
10. For women empowerment, In many regions, women play a significant role in goat rearing. Income generated from goat farming can empower women, enhance their economic status, and contribute to gender equality.
In conclusion, In Importance of goat farming, goat farming system holds economic importance by promoting sustainable agriculture, supporting livelihoods, and contributing to the economic development of both local communities and even globally.