Production and reproduction characteristics of South African indigenous goats in communal farming systems
2004
Webb, E.C.(University of Pretoria Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences Department of Animal & Wildlife Sciences) | Mamabolo, M.J.(University of Pretoria Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences Department of Animal & Wildlife Sciences)
South African indigenous does in rural communal farming systems kid for the first time at approximately 17 to 18 months of age. Does conceive at a relatively low body condition score (BCS * 2.5 to 3) and their average litter size is 1.7 kids per doe. The average kidding interval was approximately 238 days and the highest kidding rates were attained in autumn (96%), followed by spring (93%), winter (63%) and summer (0%). The mortality rates in goats in communal systems were extremely high (40.6%) compared to systems with better management (<5%). The mortality rates result from theft, poor hygiene and predation. Breeding is not controlled and occurs all year round, which creates managerial problems.
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