Characterizing smallhold goat production system: Assessment of goat farmers management and production practices towards goat dairying in Central Luzon, Philippines

Abstract

In the Philippines, raisers’ management practices were different especially in terms of how the goats were fed. Findings revealed that smallholder goat farmers still practice traditional goat farming system that is characterized by low-cost production input, unmanaged breeding practices and poor feeding program. Majority of the raisers practiced partial confinement while a few reported free grazing, tethering and pure confinement. The absence of a sound goat health program increases vulnerability of goats to diseases. There was low performance in smallholder goat farms. Natural breeding was uncontrolled, hence there was low conception rate (68.11+2.87%). Age of buck at first breeding was highly related with conception rate (p<0.05). Mean kid size was 2.01+0.60 while kidding interval was 210+1.01 days. Meanwhile, mean weight of goats at 3 and 6 months were 7.72+0.07 and 15.49+0.90 kg, respectively.  Dairy goat dispersal programs for smallholder goat farmers revealed to face a grim future if preliminary assessment and evaluation on their current management and production practices will not be made as goat dairying needed more intensive management than slaughter goat production.  This information can be used in providing appropriate science-based technological interventions for extension programs toward dairy goat production.