Reasons for keeping dairy goats in Tanzania, and possible goals for a sustainable breeding program
Z. C. Nziku A B D E , G. C. Kifaro D , L. O. Eik B C , T. Steine B and T. Ådnøy B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI), West Kilimanjaro, PO Box 147, Sanya Juu, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.
B Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), PO Box 5003, 1432-Ås, Norway.
C Department of NORAGRIC, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), PO Box 5003, 1432-Ås, Norway.
D Department of Animal Science and Production, Sokoine University of Agriculture, PO Box 3004, Morogoro, Tanzania.
E Corresponding author. Email: czabron@yahoo.com
Animal Production Science 57(2) 338-346 https://doi.org/10.1071/AN15423
Submitted: 6 February 2015 Accepted: 13 October 2015 Published: 18 February 2016
Abstract
This research aimed at describing reasons for keeping dairy goats in Tanzania, and possible goals for a sustainable breeding program. Three districts, each representing a unique dairy goat breed population, were selected for the study. The Saanen, Toggenburg and Norwegian were the main dairy goat breeds in Arumeru, Babati, and Mvomero districts, respectively. A total of 125 dairy goat farmers were interviewed. A holistic approach of both quantitative and qualitative research methods was used to study the perceptions of farmers. More milk yield, sale of breeding stock and manure were the highest ranked reasons for keeping dairy goats. The reasons were coherent to the production systems. The three most preferred traits for improvement were milk yield, adaptability and twinning ability. These preferences were absolutely important in the context of the referred production system. Selection of replacement stock, animal identification and performance recording were the main challenges emphasised by farmers. The present study views these challenges as a result of knowledge gaps in animal breeding that require solutions. Based on result findings it is suggested that the milk yield and survival traits should be the primary dairy goat breeding goals. Generally, there are possibilities for developing sustainable dairy goat breeding programs in the surveyed areas given relevant breeding goals are incorporated. The design of simple and manageable dairy goat breeding schemes is necessary.
Additional keywords: breeding goals, Tanzania.
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