Estimation of goat production potential and efficiency in the resource-poor communal areas of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa |
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| Authors: | Francisca Rumosa Gwaze Michael Chimonyo Kennedy Dzama |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Livestock and Pasture Science, Faculty of Science and Agriculture, University of Fort Hare, P Bag X1314, Alice, 5700, South Africa;(2) Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; |
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| Abstract: | It is often inappropriately assumed that the contributions of goats to household economies are similar across flock sizes.
A monthly questionnaire was administered to 19, 21, and 13 farmers in Matatiele and Qawukeni and Mankone. Entries and exits
to and from each flock were assessed. Most (P < 0.05) kids were born in August (4.92 ± 0.362 and 2.03 ± 0.329 for large and small flocks, respectively). Total entries
were higher (P < 0.05) in August, September, and October than in the other months. Kid mortality peaked in May and September at 21%. Most
(P < 0.05) goats were sold in December (1.06 ± 0.127 for large flocks and 0.23 ± 0.135 for small flocks). Goat production efficiency
(GPE) was affected (P < 0.05) by month and flock size. The GPE was higher (P < 0.05) in small than in large flocks. The low GPE values obtained in this study indicates the need to devise other indices
that factor in the neglected functions of goats when measuring goat production efficiency in communities where the main function
of goats is not for sale or consumption. |
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