Abstract

VAN NIEKERK, W.A.  and  PIMENTEL, P.L.. Goat production in the smallholder section in the Boane district in Southern Mozambique. S. Afr. j. anim. sci. [online]. 2004, vol.34, n.5, pp.123-125. ISSN 2221-4062.

Results are presented of a study of a smallholder goat production system in the Boane district, southern Mozambique. Goat keepers (n = 65) were selected and their goats (Landim breed) (n = 770) were recorded and monitored over two years (1993 - 1995). Goat numbers per household were small (9.7) and raised under a traditional management system. Females outnumbered males and most of the male kids were removed from the flock before nine months of age. Age of first kidding was on average 390 days. Litter sizes varied between 1.44 and 1.87 and the percentage multiple births (54%) corresponded well with reported values. The mortality rate increased proportionally among twins as the number of twin births increased. This study provided a base-line survey of which the information can be used in future projects of this nature.

Keywords : Goats; smallholder; productivity; reproduction; production system.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )