Management and Breeding Activities of Goat Farming in the Kilinochchi District of Sri Lanka

Abstract

A total of 291 goat farmers from four veterinary divisions of Kilinochchi district of Sri Lanka were interviewed using a structured questionnaire to characterize the goat farms with respect to socioeconomic status, breed distribution, production, reproduction and constraints for goat farming. Agriculture was the main occupation of goat farmers (65%). Over 70% of the farmers kept goats for meat and manure purpose. Women’s contribution for goat farming was around 35%. The average herd size of Karachchi, Kandawalai, Poonakary and Pachchilaippalli veterinary divisions were 5.64±4.06, 7.35±7.72, 6.56±6.62 and 6.86±6.18, respectively. Goat breeds found in the study area were crosses (57.01%), local (41.77%) and exotic (1.22%). Nearly 76% of the farmers adopted intensive system of management. Majority (88%) of the farmers adapted natural service. Overall age at first kidding ranged from 12 to 15.36 months. The major constraints limiting goat production in the study area were no demand for goat milk, lack of grazing land, lack of fodder and high cost of concentrates.  Addressing constraints mentioned by the farmers will improve overall productivity of the goats and contribute for poverty alleviation in the farming communities.