GOAT MANAGEMENT

Housing Systems

1. Extensive System
   Goats are allowed to graze freely on natural pastures and shrubs.

2. Intensive System
   Goats are kept in an enclosure (khola) and fed under controlled conditions. This method is commonly used in dairy goat production.

Characteristics of a Good Goat House

A proper goat shelter should:

• Be well-sited on high ground to avoid flooding.

• Be cheap to construct using locally available materials.

• Be strongly built to protect against predators.

• Be roomy, well-lit, and well-ventilated.

• Have a dry floor, preferably made of concrete, or hardened with clay or earth.

• Be well-thatched, well-drained, and easy to clean.

Parasite and Disease Control in Goats

Although Malawian goats show resistance to many diseases, they can still carry and spread internal and external parasites. To ensure healthy goats:

• Perform dipping, dusting, or drenching to control external parasites such as fleas, ticks, and tsetse flies, as well as internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and liver flukes.

• Provide good nutrition to enhance natural disease resistance.

Selecting Appropriate Breeds

The Malawi goat is a dual-purpose breed suitable for both meat and milk production. It can also be used in cross-breeding programs to improve productivity.

For Meat Production:

• Goats should grow fast and mature early.

• They should come from nannies with good mothering ability.

• Animals should exhibit a good body conformation.

Note: All breeds should be well-adapted to local environmental conditions.

Breeding Goats

• Female goats (does or nannies) should be bred when they are 15 to 18 months old.

• Male goats (bucks or billies) should be used for breeding when they are two years old.

• One buck can service up to 60 nannies effectively.

The Oestrus Cycle in Goats

• The oestrus cycle lasts 18 to 21 days.

• Heat (oestrus) lasts for 1 to 3 days.

Signs of Heat in Female Goats

• The doe wags her tail frequently.

• She shows signs of excitement.

• She may mount other female goats (nannies).

• The vulva becomes red and swollen.

• There is mucous discharge from the vulva.

Gestation Period

• The gestation period is 150 days.

• The process of giving birth in goats is called kidding.

Caring for Young Goats (Kids)

• Kids should suckle the mother for at least 3 to 4 days to receive colostrum.

• Colostrum is the first yellow milk that is rich in vitamins, proteins, and antibodies.

• It helps to build the kid’s immunity and protect it from diseases.

• At around three weeks old, kids should be given pasture and feed supplements.

• This helps to develop their digestive system.

• Male kids should be castrated at the same time to prevent unwanted breeding and improve meat quality.