Management of Goats: €
Goat is a ruminant animal having a well developed udder. It has many similarities with
cattle, in terms of nutritional requirements, body physiology and reproduction. Although,
goat ( Fig.9.1) is one tenth of cow body weight but it is a good competent to cow in milk
production. The milking cycle of goat is similar to that of cow. Goat milk is white ( due to
conversion of carotene to Vitamin A) , and it contains small fatty granules . The digestibility
of its milk protein is better than that of cow due to the presence of special fatty acids,
namely, Capric, Capronic and Caprylic acids.
Fig. 9.1: Meat producing goats
Breeds of Goats:
A. Milk producing breeds:
1. Nubian:
Origin in Sudan and Egypt, and raised in North- Eastern of Africa and Mediterranean sea.
It is characterized by its large body size , long limbs, long ears, black or brown color, and
producing 1 -2 kg of milk.
2. Damascus:
It is an important breed in the Middle east area and being adapted to the environmental
conditions of the area. It is characterized by the presence of horns in both sexes, red-brown
color, long ears, 50 kg body weight and producing 2 – 4 kg of milk daily, while the lactation
period extends to 8 months . It is also characterized by its high fertility rate.
3. Saanen:
Its origin in Swiss, and has been introduced to many tropical countries and Australia. It has
white or creamy color, hornless, and it is sensitive to sun light. It is producing 800 kg of
milk within 250 days of lactation period.
[Link] are also other breeds such as British Alpine and Toggenburg.
B. Mohair breeds:
1. Angora:
Reproduction in Goats: €
The estrus in goat is seasonally poly estrus, and it is repeated in spring and autumn.
Generally, reports revealed that goat lives in tropical area shows estrus cycles all over the
year, while that which lives in cold country shows seasonal estrus, and this difference is
attributed to the genetic factor.
Fertility and Prolificacy: €
The age of puberty in goat is 8 – 9 months and the estrus cycle is 17 – 21 days , and the
estrus period is 6 – 48 hrs. The estrus signs are similar to those of ewe. The gestation
period in goat is 150 days. The fertility is measured by the number of mating to induce
fertilization, while, prolificacy is measured by the number of births per each kidding. Goat
is a fertile animal due to its ability to produce multiple births, and the percentage of
producing twins or triples in goat is increased with age up to 6 years. The weight of dam
has a positive relation with the production of multiple births. ( the male is called BUCK,
while female is called DOE)
Selection and breeding in goat:
The criteria of selection in dairy goat based on different characters such as body
conformation, breed and quantity of milk. The characters which should be available in dairy
goats are:
-[Link] udder and teats.
-2. Straight legs and feet.
-3. Deep chest
-4. Clear milk vein.
Housing of Goats: €
The goat has the ability to live in different circumstances, and it resists low degrees of
temperature . A shed is suitable to house goats leaving 5 square meters for each head of
animal, with a floor covered by straw, and the height of walls should be 5 mt. and a yard
surrounded by 1.5 – 2 mt height should be available for goats.