Appropriate management systems for the West African Dwarf goat in humid Tropics
1988
Ademosun, A.A.
Goats constitute a major potential resource in the humid tropical environment where they are more numerous than the sheep and cattle. The West African Dwarf goat is adapted to the hot and humid environment where it is used as a source of meat. Unfortunately, under the traditional management system the animal depend mostly on household wastes and bush grazing which do not provide adequate level of nutrition for optimum production. Lack of veterinary care also raises problems of diseases and parasitic infestation. Thus the animals suffer heavy mortality and the level of productivity of surviving ones is very low indeed. Any management innovation must recognize the peculiar characteristics of the traditional production system and provide improvement in feeding, health and shelter. At the Obafemi Awolowo University, a package that is simple, adaptable and based on locally available materials has been developed. The use of this new management system has resulted in improved animal performance.
显示更多 [+] 显示较少 [-]