Cross-breeding

Cross-breeding

There are very many situations in which the ideal producing animal is some intermediate between a tropical adapted and an improved temperate breed. This

 applies particularly to dairy cattle kept under intensive conditions in the humid tropics and in many parts of the wet-dry tropics and to beef cattle under range conditions in the wet-dry tropics and the subtropics. This intermediate can most easily be formed by crossbreeding.

A large portion of the world's goat population is maintained under free ranging conditions in which controlled mating are not possible. Thus, the mating system may approach random mating. However, to the extent that only one or two breeds are prevalent in a general area, it also might be considered as pure breeding.

The amount of inbreeding which occurs would be largely a function of size of the population. True crossbreeding would be possible only if controlled mating were possible with distinct types. Extensive use of crossbreeding could be practical only with the dairy goats, in that with other types only a single genotype is often available. as with the Barbari for meat production (under production conditions), crosses between the Barbari and meat-type goats often occur, but more by accident than intent, as the result is a serious disruption to the primary function of both types and should be avoided. For the most part, these crosses have been initial steps in creation of new types and not to exploit the phenomenon of heterozygosis. The results of the initial crosses appear to be intermediate in type of meat produced, much as might be expected.

Maintaining a crossbred population

When it has been established that in a given environment (including climate, disease situation, feeding and management systems) the most productive animal is one containing a proportion of local blood and a proportion of imported genes, then an appropriate breeding system must be chosen which will maintain this intermediate type after the initial crossing. There are several possibilities.

New breed formation

This is also called the formation of a gene pool. After the first cross, F1 animals are mated together to form an F2 followed by an F3, and so on. If the desired proportion of Outside blood is 75 percent then a backcross is made before the inter sex mating starts. The advantage of the gene-pool approach is that the population is self-replacing and after the initial cross no further outside blood is needed.

People are afraid that breeding from crossbreds will lead to excessive variation, and therefore that formation of a new breed is only possible if immense resources of animals are available. In fact, the increase in variation on breeding an F2 generation has been much exaggerated. To begin with, it is only the genetic variation which is increased, and with characters of low heritability this is only a small part of the total variation. Secondly, the obvious effects are due to segregation of color, color pattern and morphological characters (e.g. horns) which are controlled by single genes. The increase in variation between F1 and F2 for such quantitative characters as growth rate and milk yield will be very small and, in view of other sources of variation, may not be detectable.

Certainly there is a danger that if the initial crossing is not done on a large enough scale then problems of inbreeding may be encountered. This is particularly the case if the breed is based on a single herd or on only one or two imported bucks. Inbreeding leads to decline in fertility, viability and growth rate to a greater or lesser extent. This has often not been realized and inbreeding has been deliberately employed in order to concentrate the blood of outstanding bucks or to produce uniformity in a new breed. But uniformity is an elusive goal, a will-o'-the-wisp. It must not be sought at the expense of productivity. Indeed it is essential at the outset to have as much variation as possible in order to allow scope for selection. The aim of crossbreeding is to combine the high yield of the outside breed with the resistance of the local breed, and intense selection is needed to find the few animals combining both characters. If a breed is to be formed in a single experimental herd it is therefore essential to use a large number of unrelated bucks (at least 10–15) in the formative stages. As early as possible the program should be extended to other herds and bucks should be exchanged between herds. Above all, animals should not be selected according to color, conformation or other fancy points but for important economic characters.

Systematic crossbreeding

The essence of a systematic crossing system is that breeding animals of both pure breeds involved (local adapted and temperate improved) are used in each generation. There are two main categories - terminal crossing and rotational crossing.

1. Terminal crossing

In this type of cross the progeny are not used for breeding. It is therefore not suitable for dairy animals but is important for meat animals. There are several varieties:

a. Re-creation of thein each generation

Since it is the commercial F1 animals which are produced every generation this is also called “commercial crossing”. Both sexes are slaughtered (for meat) without being used for breeding.

b. Three-way crossing

Commercial crossing exploits only the hybrid vigour in the growing animal. In order to cash in also on that in maternal ability a second stage of crossing is needed so as to breed from a crossbred dam.

This is very important because a major proportion of the total advantage may come from the use of crossbred dams. The second cross may be a backcross to the buck breed or a cross to a third breed.

This system has its maximum advantage if the crossing is stratified according to the environment. In Britain, for instance, local breeds of sheep are maintained on the mountains; they are crossed with a hardy improver breed and the crossbreds are kept in the hills; the crossbred ewes are crossed with a second improver breed and the second-cross lambs fattened in the lowlands.

A similar scheme could be applicable in the tropics with the environment being superior in each phase in terms of rainfall, temperature or feeding level rather than altitude.

2. Rotational crossing

In crisscrossing (or reciprocal backcrossing) bucks of the temperate and tropical breeds are used in alternate generations.

Crisscrossing (reciprocal backcrossing) between temperate and tropical breeds

At equilibrium two-thirds of the hybrid vigour of the F1 is retained. In alternate generations progeny will be two-thirds tropical or two-thirds temperate in their genotype. This system is very flexible; if more than an average of 50 percent temperate blood is needed then there can be two generations of crossing with the temperate breed alternating with one cross with the tropical breed. In this case at equilibrium succeeding generations will have 3/7, 5/7 and 6/7 of the temperate blood or the tropical breed can be replaced by a half bred - either a new intermediate breed or a half-bred buck.

Rotational crossing between temperate and tropical breeds

A similar result can be achieved by using three different breeds in the crossing. It then becomes rotational crossing and 87 percent of the maximum heterosis is retained.

This system is also flexible in the face of changing market demand - the type of crossing breed can be changed immediately according to the product needed.

Systematic crossbreeding systems need a source of crossing bucks. The tropical bucks should come from an improved local breed under selection. The temperate bucks should also come from nucleus herds selected in the local environment rather than from selection programs overseas in view of the phenomenon of genotype x environment interaction.

3. Combination of terminal crossing and rotational crossing

A meat sire can be used on the crossbred females which emerge in a crisscrossing or rotational crossing system. It is terminal because the offspring of this sire are not used for breeding but are all slaughtered for meat.

Use of crossbred bucks

In this scheme half bred bucks are produced in each generation and used to grade up the local females. It is thus suitable for situations in which it is desired to stabilize a 50:50 mixture of local and exotic strains. The half bred bucks would have to be bred in a special herd and supplied to the local farmer either on a loan system (so that each was not used too long in one herd). The female populations will in a few generations approach 50 percent outside blood. The first cross on to the local females is by a pure outside buck and the specially bred F1 bucks are then used on these F1 does. The population is then 50 percent outside from the first generation.

It must be emphasized once more that all these schemes require a source of temperate bucks which should preferably be selected in an environment similar to that in which they are to be used. They also require a selection program for the indigenous breed which is used in the crossing program.

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Goat Farm economic feasibility

Goat Farm economic feasibility

Goats are very important species of livestock in India, mainly on account of their short generation intervals, higher rate of prolificacy and the easewith which the goats and their products can be marketed. Goats can sustain themselves on sparse vegetation and extreme climatic conditions where other species of animals may perish. Goats produce a variety of products, mainly meat, skin, milk, fleece and manure.

Goats are the main meat animal in India, its meat is most preferred and hence the costliest of all meats. Goat meat fetches better price because of its liking and universal socio-religious acceptability. Almost 95 percent of the goat meat produced in the country is consumed locally and per capita availability is far below the requirement. There is, therefore considerable potential for developing goat production not only for meat for internal consumption and for export, but for the quality leather production also, in which India ranks high among the goat skin exporting countries.

Goat is a multidimensional animal and plays a significant role in the economy and nutrition of landless, small and marginal farmers in the country. Goat rearing is an enterprise, which has been practiced by a large section of the rural population. Goats can efficiently survive on available shrubs and trees in adverse environment in low fertile lands. In pastoral and agriculture subsistence societies in India, goats are kept as a source of additional income and as an insurance against disaster. Goats are also used in ceremonial feastings and for the payment of social dues. In addition of this, goats have religious and ritualistic importance in many societies.

But the productivity of goat is low due to maintaining under extensive system of natural vegetation on degraded common grazing lands and tree lopping. Therefore, commercial goat farming under intensive and semi-intensive system of management, using improved technologies, will be crucial for realizing the potential of goats.

High demand for goat and its products with potential of good economic returns have been deriving many progressive farmers, businessmen, professionals, ex-servicemen and educated youth to take up the goat enterprise on a commercial scale. However the aspirant entrepreneurs always seek information on techno-economic viability of commercial goat farming projects, before making the decision to investment.

The entrepreneurs and farmers want to know the economic viability and soundness of the goat farming enterprise, before entering in the business. Moreover, the availability of finance from institutional sources for commercial goat farming will be crucial for its development.

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Research in sheep and goat production

Research in sheep and goat production

The results of research in sheep-breeding were recently reviewed by Acharya in a discussion paper on breeding strategy for sheep in India. In addition to reviewing the performance of important pure-bred native breeds with respect to body weight, wool production and quality, lamb and adult survival, reproductive performance, etc., the author reviewed the effect of non-genetic and genetic factors on these traits, estimates of genetic and phenotypic parameters and the results of selection and cross-breeding experiments. Through selection within indigenous breeds (Deccani: Khot et al., Amble et al., ; Bikaneri & Lohi: Nanda & Singh, ; Khot et al., ; Patanwadi: AHD Gujarat, ; Bellary: Dass & Rajagopalan,), an improvement in fleece quality has been reflected by a decrease in the percentage of medullated fibres and average fibre diameter, but in some cases a decline in fleece weight and reproductive performance was reported.

Body weight at six months is the genetic and phenotypic parameter which should be utilized in work on improving market weight and ewe productivity, while an index combining greasy fleece weight and medullation percentage (weighed negatively) should be used as a reference for improving wool production and quality in carpet-wool breeds.

Cross-breeding among indigenous breeds has been extensive in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh for improving wool production and quality and, to some extent, for improving mutton production. Most of the wool breeds involved were from Rajasthan (Bikaneri, Magra and Nali). This programme was not fully successful in the southern States, since the Bikaneri rams did not survive long, presumably because, except in Uttar Pradesh, they adapted poorly to the hot humid climate. There was however an improvement in wool production and quality, reflected in an increase in staple length and a decrease in medullation percentage and average fibre diameter.

Cross-breeding work carried out in the country in general indicated the superiority in body weight, greasy fleece weight and fleece quality of half-breds over the indigenous pure-breds involved in crosses, except for Polwarth crosses with Rampur Bushair in Uttar Pradesh. The survival of half-breds was similar to that of indigenous breeds involved in the crosses, but crosses containing higher exotic inheritance did show problems of survival. Rambouillet appeared to be superior to other exotic breeds in cross-breeding experiments. When more than one indigenous breed was used with the same exotic breed, carpet-wool breeds - particularly Magra (Bikaneri) - showed superiority.

Sheep-breeding work under AICRP for fine wool, involving exotic fine-wool breeds (Soviet Merino and Rambouillet) and indigenous breeds (Gaddi, Nali, Chokla, Patanwadi, Nilgiri and Bonpala), yielded improvement in greasy wool production and fleece quality in the half-breds over the native breeds involved in crosses, but the improvement in greasy wool production was minimal where the native breed was already producing relatively high quantities of fleece (e.g. Nali and Chokla). Similarly, the improvement in fleece quality was minimal in breeds with already reasonably fine fleece, such as Nilgiri.

Cross-breeding experiments for improving mutton under AICRP involve exotic mutton breeds (Suffolk and Dorset) and indigenous breeds (Muzzafarnagri, Malpura, Sonadi, Deccani, Mandya and Nellore). The results available indicate improvements in weight gains and feed conversion efficiency under individual feed-lot conditions. Suffolk x Sonadi and Dorset x Nellore half-breds gave the best performance: the lambs attained 30 kg live weight at six months in individual feed-lot trials with ad libitum feeding of a ration consisting of 30% roughage and 70% concentrate ration from weaning (90 days) to 180 days.

At CSWRI, in a breeding experiment involving Rambouillet and three different indigenous breeds, Chokla (a superior carpet-wool breed), Jaisalmeri (a medium carpet-wool breed) and Malpura (an extremely coarse and hairy wool breed), the half-breds were substantially superior in body weight, greasy fleece production and fleece quality, but beyond 50% exotic fine-wool inheritance, there was little improvement in body weight and greasy fleece weight, though there was some further improvement in wool quality. The performance of progeny produced from inter-breeding half-breds was not much inferior to that of the first generation (F₁) half-breds. The half-breds pose no more serious management and disease problems under farm conditions than do native breeds. The Chokla crosses came close to desired apparel wool, and the Jaisalmeri and Malpura crosses came closer to ideal carpet wool. The improvement in Malpura was very substantial (almost 200%) in greasy wool production and in fleece quality.

More recently, research has been undertaken at CSWRI for breeding sheep for pelt, and Karakul is being crossed with indigenous extremely coarse carpet-wool breeds. The results achieved have been very encouraging.

Like development, research for improving goat production has been seriously lacking (AICRP, GB). Cross-breeding indigenous goats with exotic dairy goats (Alpine and Saanen) resulted in improved milk production and reproductive performance, but with a slight loss in prolificacy. Some work on improving meat production by crossing small and large indigenous breeds is in progress, but the results so far available show only limited promise. After cross-breeding indigenous goats with Angora for mohair production, it appeared that with 7/8 Angora inheritance, the crosses produce a similar quantity of relatively finer quality mohair than that of the Angora controls. Some research in improving pashmina production has also been undertaken

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Sheep and goat development

Sheep and goat development

Sheep development activity was undertaken as early as the early 19th century by the East India Company, which imported exotic breeds for cross-breeding with the indigenous breeds. Subsequently, with the establishment of the Imperial (now Indian) Council of Agricultural Research, research and development programmes were taken up on a regional basis; they included selective breeding within the indigenous breeds and cross-breeding them with exotic fine-wool breeds, and covered almost all the important sheep-rearing States. Major emphasis was however placed on sheep development after the country attained independence and initiated its Five-Year Development Plans. During the Third Plan, a large number of sheep and wool extension centres were established, and a wool grading and marketing programme was initiated in Rajasthan., realising the importance of sheep in the agrarian economy, the central government established CSWRI and its regional stations, under an UNDP/GOI project, to undertake fundamental and applied research in sheep production and wool utilization and to provide post-graduate training in sheep and wool sciences. During the Fourth Plan, a large sheep-breeding farm was established in collaboration with the Australian Government, at Hissar, for pure-breeding Corriedale sheep. Corriedale stud rams are being distributed from this farm to a number of States for cross-breeding to improve wool and mutton production. Seven more such farms have been established in Jammu & Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, to produce exotic pure-bred or cross-bred rams. During the Fifth Plan, a large number of breeding farms were planned to be established in the central and State sectors to produce genetically superior breeding stocks. It was also planned to reorganize and strengthen the existing sheep-breeding farms in the States as well as to expand and reorganize sheep and wool extension centres, and to set up scientific sheepshearing and wool-grading programmes. A number of sheep development programmes were undertaken under specialized programmes, such as DPAP, small-farmer (SF), marginal-farmer (MF) and agricultural labourer schemes. Setting up of wool boards in important woolproducing States was also foreseen.

The National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) reviewed the previous sheep and goat development activities and made recommendations on the approach as well as on organization with a view to implementation of various development programmes. In addition to genetic improvement, NCA laid emphasis on the provision of proper health protection, development of feed and fodder resources through silvi-pasture, and organization and extension activities for the transfer of improved sheep production technology to the farmers, and organizing the marketing of live animals and wool.

The breeding strategy is different for different regions of the country. In the north temperate and northwestern regions, it involves breeding for apparel wool through cross-breeding indigenous breeds with exotic fine-wool breeds. For the northwestern and central peninsular regions and Bihar, selection among better carpet-wool breeds and crossing extremely coarse and hairy indigenous breeds with exotic fine-wool and dual-purpose breeds to improve carpet-wool production and quality and mutton production has been recommended. For improving mutton production in the southern peninsular region, the strategy contemplates selection within better indigenous breeds such as Nellore and Mandya, and upgrading of inferior breeds with these two breeds.

So far, there has been very little systematic emphasis on goat development. Some State governments have been distributing bucks of superior indigenous breeds, mostly Jamnapari and Beetal, or stationing them in veterinary dispensaries for natural service. The Sixth Plan evvisages the establishment of large goat-breeding farms for the production of studs of important breeds as well as breeding bucks of exotic dairy breeds to be used for cross-breeding for improving milk production. There is some emphasis on improving pashmina production in the Ladakh area of Jammu & Kashmir, whose government has a pashmina goat farm for the production of studs.

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Research on sheep and wool

Research on sheep and wool is the responsibility of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and its constituent institutes. the Central Sheep & Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar (Rajasthan); the Central Institute for Research on Goats (CIRG), Makhdoom (Uttar Pradesh); and to some extent the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), Izatnagar (Uttar Pradesh) and the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal (Haryana); State agricultural universities also carry responsibility in this field. It is planned to set up a bureau of animal genetic resources in the near future. The ICAR has also organized research on sheep and goat production through an All-India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) involving a number of central and State organizations (ICAR institutes, agricultural universities, State departments, etc.). These projects cover sheep-breeding for fine wool, for mutton and for superior carpet-wool, and goat-breeding for Chevon, for milk and for mohair and pashmina. Most of the important sheep-and goat-rearing States have been covered under these projects. In addition, ICAR funds research projects from the Agricultural Produce Cess Fund.

The development aspect is entrusted to the central Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which primarily provides guidelines in programme planning and organizes the import of exotic animals and other biological products not available in the country. There is a Central Sheep Development Council, including representatives of the sheepbreeders, the woollen industry, research agencies and other ministries concerned. The central Ministry of Agriculture, in consultation with experts from all over the country, prepares an overall development plan for each Five-Year Plan, and after its approval makes it available to the State governments for implementation. The State Animal Husbandry/ Sheep and Wool Departments are responsible for development programmes in their respective States; they maintain large exotic and native farms for the production of rams and are equipped to provide health protection and advice on improved management practices. Some also organize the marketing of wool and live animals. Most of the sheep development activity is now organized through intensive sheep development projects and sheep and wool extension centres. To a limited extent, under the Drought-Prone Area Programme (DPAP), sheep-breeders' cooperative societies are organized to carry out development work.

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Sheep and Goat Breeds

India's vast genetic resources in sheep and goats are reflected by the availability of 40 breeds of sheep and 20 breeds of goats. In the strict sense, there are no specific breeds, since the majority of them do not have specified defined characters. Neither are there breeding societies or agencies to register animals of particular breeds, maintain flock books and ensure the purity of the breed. A population of sheep or goats in a given locality, with characters distinct from other populations in the vicinity and with a distinct local name, has usually been considered as a breed. There has been little effort to conserve and further improve the native breeds. At a few Central and State Government farms, some important breeds of sheep and goats are maintained for purebreeding and producing stud rams for distribution to the farmers.

Most of the breeds of sheep and goats in India have evolved naturally through adaptation to agro-ecological conditions; to a limited extent there has been artificial selection for specific needs. These breeds have generally been named after their place of origin or on the basis of prominent characteristics. A few breeds, e.g. Hissardale, Kashmir Merino and Nilgiri, are cross-breds involving native and exotic fine/dual/mutton breeds. The numbers and distribution of Hissardale and Nilgiri are very limited, whereas the Kashmir Merino, though large in numbers, has no definite level of exotic finewool inheritance and has involved almost all the native breeds of Jammu & Kashmir.

Most of the breeds of sheep and goats are very well adapted to the harsh climate, long migration, and lack of vegetation and drinking water. A large proportion of sheep and goats (more particularly the latter) are of nondescript or mixed breeds.

Among the Indian sheep breeds, the most important in number and distribution are Marwari and Deccani. The Marwari covers the greater part of the arid northwestern region, in both Rajasthan and Gujarat. It is highly migratory, following a transhumant system of management, and has made the greatest impact on other breeds, especially those with very coarse and hairy fleeces, Malpura and Sonadi. The Sonadi covers most of the central part of the southern peninsula, being distributed in the States of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

There has been a very great amount of inter-mixture among indigenous breeds. Crossing with exotic breeds has also been undertaken in order to upgrade the local breeds and to develop new ones, but no serious consideration has been given to genetic improvement. The current breeding policy for improving wool production for clothing and carpets and increasing mutton production in sheep is to cross the better carpet-wool breeds and extremely coarse and hairy breeds with exotic superior fine-wool and dualpurpose breeds. For improving carpet-wool production in some northwestern carpet-wool breeds and meat production in some south Indian non-woolly mutton breeds, however, selection within breeds is being recommended. In goats, the breeding policy is to upgrade inferior breeds with superior breeds, especially Jamnapari and Beetal.

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Goat vs Cow Milk

Goat vs Cow Milk

Here are 5 reasons goat milk is better than cow milk.

1. Goat’s milk is less allergenic.

2. Goat’s milk is naturally homogenized.

3. Goat’s milk is easier to digest.

4. Goat’s milk rarely causes lactose intolerance.

5. Goat’s milk matches up to the human body better than cow’s milk.

According to ScienceDaily — Researchers have carried out a comparative study on the properties of goats' milk compared to those of cows' milk. They found reason to believe that goats' milk could help prevent diseases such as anemia and bone demineralization. Goats' milk was found to help with the digestive and metabolic utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium.

Compositions Cow and Goat milk

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Dry and Resting Period in Goats

Dry/Resting Period in Goats

Goat should be maintained in good condition during the dry period (non lactating period) so she will freshen in a healthy state and have every opportunity to produce more milk in the next lactation. A good mineral mixture should be available.  Mineral may contain from 12-18% calcium, 6-8% phosphorus and 25-30% salt, with trace minerals and vitamins.

During the last 3-4 weeks of gestation, nutrition becomes more important to the doe. She should receive a better quality grass hay and about the same type of ration she will receive after kidding.The doe should be managed during the dry period so that she is in good condition at the time of kidding. She should not be allowed to become fat.

Goats should be allowed to rest 2 months before birthing.  Since there is a 5 month gestation, the goat can milk 3 months after being bred, and then rests month 4 and 5.  The rest period allows the goat’s mammary system to repair.Very high producing does need a longer dry period.  If you do not allow your does to rest, they will produce only 65-75% as much milk in the next lactation.

DONT BREED(MATE) THE GOATS IMMEDIATELY AFTER 21 DAYS OF KIDDING.ALLOW ATLEAST 2 OESTRUS CYCYLE(42 DAYS) REST,TO GET PREPARED FOR NEXT PREGNANCY.THIS WILL SURELY INCREASE THE KIDDING AND MILKING RATIO.

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Goat Care And Breeding

Goat Care And Breeding

Goat care is a serious responsibility. Goats need companionship. Hence, it is better to keep two goats or have a sociable animal to give a single goat company. Goats need spacious shelters, which is free from dampness and drafts. There should be good ventilation so that the freshness of the air maintained inside the shelter.

Barns with three sides and pitched roof are ideal for all weather condition. Fences for the shelter or the shelter compound should be taller as goats tend to climb. For bedding place, dry straw or dry shavings of wood. Make sure that wild animals or dogs could not get inside the shelter, as those animals can harm goats.

There requires special care regarding the diet of the goats. Goats do not prefer soiled food. Its better to feed goats with forages like browse and hay, grain based feeds as well as nutritional supplements. They are quite sensitive to sudden changes to the diet. Bring changes to the feed program regarding timing of feeding, feeding type as well as feeding amount, in a gradual manner.

Water offered for the goats must be clean and give it in clean containers. On average goats might consume two to five gallon of water everyday and this depends on the breed as well as size of goats. During warm weather, its good to offer water at shorter intervals and during cold weather hot water is advisable.

Access to veterinarian at regular basis will help in detecting any illness or infections. If goats show any changes in their food habits or some other routine, it is better to have checked up. Trim the hoofs of the goats regularly, and medicate it if any infection is there. Put flycatchers inside the shelter, as during warm weather flies tend to disturb goats. Shave the goat during summer if the locality is hotter. Worm the goats using paste wormer at least once a year.

The season stretching from latter part of summer to earlier part of winter is good for goat breeding. There are eighteen to twenty-one estrus cycle for the does’. Goat breeders make use of Natural breeding or artificial insemination.

Does’ become fertile at a very young age of two months. Healthy does and goats of seven months or older can breed and give healthy kids, most of the time twins. It takes five months for a doe to give birth.

Goat cheese making is becoming popular these days as goat cheese has good nutritional value. For Goat cheese making, goat milk, buttermilk, ladle, fresh lemon juice, colander, cheesecloth etc are required.

For making goat cheese, mix all required ingredients well together in the bowl. After pouring it to pan, heat it up to 170 degrees, and then cool it for twelve hours naturally after covering it with plastic wrap.

Drain the cheese mixture-using strainer after placing cheesecloth. Once drained remove the cheesecloth and then store it in container that is airtight. Making goat cheese is possible at homes. Overall Goats are valuable animals. Be its milk or skin or fat or meat or excreta, everything has value.

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Why Goat Farming

Why Goat Farming

Goat is a multi functional animal and plays a significant role in the economy and nutrition of landless, small and marginal farmers in the country. Goat rearing is an enterprise which has been practiced by a large section of population in rural areas. Goats can efficiently survive on available shrubs and trees in adverse harsh environment in low fertility lands where no other crop can be grown.

In pastoral and agricultural subsistence societies in India, goats are kept as a source of additional income and as an insurance against disaster. Goats are also used in ceremonial feastings and for the payment of social dues.

In addition to this, goat has religious and ritualistic importance in many societies. The advantages of goat rearing are:

§          The initial investment needed for Goat farming is low.

§        Due to small body size and docile nature, housing requirements and manage mental     problems with goats are less.

§             Goats are friendly animals and enjoy being with the people.

§          Goats are prolific breeders and achieve sexual maturity at the age of 10-12 months gestation period in goats is short and at the age of 16-17 months it starts giving milk.    Twinning is very common and triplets and quadruplets are rare.

§        In drought prone areas risk of goat farming is very much less as compared to other    livestock species.

§          Unlike large animals in commercial farm conditions both male and female goats have   equal value.

§                 Goats are ideal for mixed species grazing. The animal can thrive well on wide variety of thorny bushes, weeds, crop residues, agricultural by-products unsuitable for human consumption.

§        Under proper management, goats can improve and maintain grazing land and reduce bush encroachment (biological control) without causing harm to the environment.

§           No religious taboo against goat slaughter and meat consumption prevalent in the country.

§     Slaughter and dressing operation and meat disposal can be carried without much   environmental problems.

§           The goat meat is more lean (low cholesterol) and relatively good for people who prefer low energy diet especially in summer and sometimes goat meat (chevon) is preferred over  mutton because of its "chewability"

§      Goat milk is easy to digest than cow milk because of small fat globules and is naturally  homogenized. Goat milk is said to play a role in improving appetite and digestive efficiency. Goat milk is non allergic as compared to cow milk and it has anti-fungal and  anti bacterial properties and can be used for treating urogenital diseases of fungal origin.

§      Goats are 2.5 times more economical than sheep on free range grazing under semi arid conditions.

§       Goat creates employment to the rural poor besides effectively utilizing unpaid family  labor. There is ample scope for establishing cottage industries based on goat meat and milk products and value addition to skin and fiber.

§       Goat is termed as walking refrigerator for the storage of milk and can be milked number of times in a day.Restlessness, scratching, loss of weight, reduction in milk yield.

 

Application of proper chemical as a dust, spray or a dip.

 

Poisoning

 

Unsteadiness followed by dullness and unconsciousness. Great pain and vomiting. Convulsion and eventual death.

Keeping goats away from poisonous plants and chemicals. Immediate treatment.

 

Bloat

 

Distended abdomen on left side, respiratory difficulty, restlessness.

Too much fresh green grass should be avoided. A cup of mineral oil may bring relief. In acute cases removal of gas by making puncture is needed.

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