Abstract

WEBB, E.C.  and  MAMABOLO, M.J.. Production and reproduction characteristics of South African indigenous goats in communal farming systems. S. Afr. j. anim. sci. [online]. 2004, vol.34, n.5, pp.236-239. ISSN 2221-4062.

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.

Keywords : Indigenous goats; communal farming systems; productivity.

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