VIII. GOAT and SHEEP PRODUCTION 2.

Priangan- originated in Indonesia; primarily

for ram fighting and meat; thin-tailed; often
Goat Scientific name: Capra hircus lacks external ears.
- Known as "biological herbicide" due to its 3. Shropshire- originated in England; wool-
browsing ability(browser). type; believed to be as one of the ancestors of
- Diet: 40% grasses and 60% forbs (shrubs the Philippine sheep.
and herbs) 4. Suffolk- originated in England; wool-type;
- Capable of nibbling bark of trees meat, dark colored feces and legs.
- Mobile lips 5. Merino- originated in Spain; finest wool
- Walk bong distance in search for food producer; the other ancestor of Philippine
- Selective in term of feed preference(eats sheep
young shoot first)
GOAT BREEDS
Sheep Scientific name: Ovies aries Available breeds in the Philippines are
- Biological lawnmover (essentially grazers) as follows.
- Flocking instinct pecking order
- Less selective of feed offered than goats A. Dual Purpose
1. Anglo-Nubian- basically a tropical breed
Basic differences between goat and sheep: successfully adopted grow in the Western
Goat Sheep countries, distinguishing features are drooping
pendulous ears and a Roman nose.
Scientific name Copra hircus Ovis aries 2. Boer Goats- are intended to be raised for
Chromosome number 60 54 meat and they grow more rapidly than other
Sounds made Maaa Baaa goat breeds. They have a light- colored body
Tail posture/carriage Upward Downward and a distinction red head.
Feeding behavior Partly browser Purely
grazer B. Dairy Breeds
Social behavior Individualistic Flocking 1. Saanen originated in Switzerland, pure
instinct white to off-white in color and has the highest
Long hair growth Beard Mane milk production.
Skin covering Mostly hair Mostly wool 2. Toggenburg- from Switzerland, smaller
Presence of horns Naturally Naturally than the Nubian and Saanen, distinguishing
horned polled feature are markings on the face, legs and tails;
Presence of scent Base of horn; Between erect ears like the Saanen.
glands in males Beneath tail hooves 3. Alpine- also a European breed; color range
from off-white to red to black.
Growth behavior of Narrower; Curl in loops
4. La Mancha - from Spain/Oregon; very
horn upright ; less at sides of
distinctive ear types" gopher ears", "elf ear"
curved head
Goat production is one of the ideal farm
C. Stock Selection
enterprises if properly managed in the farm.
1. Does
In study conducted by a government
Selection could be based on the
agency, it was observed that goats are multi-
number of offspring's weaned per year/doe,
purpose ruminants producing:
animal mortality, length of production life and
58. 4% milk 35.6% meat
incidence of major defects.
4.3% hide 1.7% fiber
2. Bucks
- In the selection of breeder buck, consider the
SHEEP BREEDS
blood composition, constitution and vigor,
breeding quality and aggressiveness.
1. Barbados Black Belly - originated in
-It is recommended to have a minimum of two
Barbados Island with African Ancestry;
purebred or crossbreed bucks of different
adapted to wide range of environment; high
breeds. Generally, buck male ratio is 1:35.
reproductive efficiency; hair type: sweet mutton;
black colors covers under parts completely
extending up the neck and down the insides of
the legs.
 MANAGEMENT SPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR GOAT
- It is usual to see an offspring at the side of
the mother even when rearing a kid of its own. Floor Area Feeding Space
- Their pack character is so very evident, with (sq. Meter) (linear em,)
the oldest buck or doe on the highest part of Does, bucks and 0.50-1.50 15.24- 25.40
the sleeping area. adults
- They also have maintained their mountainous Growing 0.50-0.75 10.16- 15.24
character. Kids 0.20-0.50 7.62- 12.70
- Goats prefer an elevated area of resting.
- Goats can be expected to live up to 13 to 15 Minimum space requirement:
years, with an average economic lifespan of 6
to 8 years. A. Floor
- In the Philippines, does come in-heat year Floor space (m²/animal)
round with an average kidding interval of about Animal Weight (kg) Pregnant Lactating
8 to 9 months. Doe/Ewe 50-70 1.3 1.6
HOUSING Doe/Ewe >70 2 2.3
- All goats are afraid of rain and wetness, as
these make them prone to pneumonia. B. Exercise lot or loafing area:
- Goats also prefer to sleep in elevated areas, -3 m²/animal
therefore elevated sleeping platform, like a - A loafing area, fenced beside the goat house
stair-type arrangement, and must be provided. must provided complete with feeding racks and
- Flooring should be included and elevated at water troughs. This must be continuous with
least about 15° to facilitate cleaning and the goat house to allow them to loaf when
drainage. preferred.
- Separate pens should be provided for
lactating does, kids, growers, and bucks. Functional requirement
- The buck pen should be placed in such a way  Pens (for pen-barn type housing)
that it will always be visible to the breeding - Height of pen wall and gate: not <1.2m
does yet far enough to avoid transfer of the  Pen facilities:
typical goat smell in case of lactating does - Feeding trough and hay racks
when milk is to be sold. - Watering trough: 300mm space per 15 -25
Type of housing head 1 bowl or nipple per 50 head.
1. Shed type
- Free movement in or out Computation for the total floor space area
- Feeding / watering trough, mineral  Basis:
feeders, grain bunks. - Number of breeding females;
2. Pen-barn type - Reproductive parameters; and
- Stall barns (individual confinement) - Minimum floor space requirement.
- Confined housing (group pens for same sizes  Reproductive parameters:
animals) - Conception rate (80%)
- Provision for feed and water.shall be placed - Kidding interval (8 mos. ) Ave.
and protected from spoilage and will not mess - Kidding size (1.5)
up the pen. - Disposal age (at 1 yr age)
- Annual replacement rate (20%)
Minimum floor space requirement in intensive - Livability rate (to 1 yr age)
production
Floor space (m²/animal)  Cogon and nipa roofing materials are
Animal Weight Solid Slatted Open preferable in hot and humid areas.
(kg) floor yard  Ventilation is of utmost importance.
Doe/Ewe 35 0.8 0.7 2 Majority of pneumonia causes can be
Doe/Ewe 50 1.1 0.9 2.5 traced to excessively warm and humid
Doe/Ewe 75 1.4 1.1 3 interior and sudden changes in
Kid/Lamb 0.4-0.5 0.3-0.4 temperature.
Buck/Ram 3 2.5
 - Allow a 0.5 to 1 ft., clearance between 3. Estrous Duration- estrous or heat period
floor to wall and wall to beam to create an usually ends after 18 hours from the onset.
adequate air circulation and to bower draft.
- It is desirable to maintain interior SIGNS OF ESTROUS-the most common are
temperature of 28° to 30°c. the following:
-It has been established that above a. Allowing themselves to be mounted
30°c, ruminants are inhibited from eating. b. Mounting other animals
⚫ Lighting may also be provided in the barns c. Mucous discharge from vulva; swollen vulva
during the night. Goats consume up to 30% of d. Frequent urination, nervousness and lack of
the day's intake during the night when light is appetite.
provided.
Gestation Period- once the doe is
Fencing successfully bred during heat period, she is
• Nine-eye hog wire- cheapest and most expected to deliver after five months.
effective fencing available locally.
• Post must be staked every 2 meters. Goats Age at First Breeding- although female goats
are fond of pounding their feet and scraping become sexually mature at five to six months,
their bodies on fences so it must be sturdily they are not supposed to be bred until they
built. reach 8 to 12 months while breeder buck is
• Barbwire fencing requires a minimum of allowed to breed at 10 to 12 months of age.
four strands so it becomes more costly
besides making goats prone to wounds. Male to Female Ratio- on the average, 25
females are allowed to be bred with a single
BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT one-year-old buck,
PRACTICES
Breeding characteristics: B. CARE BREEDER BUCK
- Potential male breeders are immediately
Bos taurus Capra Ovis aries separated from the herd after weaning at 3 to 4
hircus months.
Age at puberty 8 5-6 7-8 - Select the animals when they are eight to ten
(months) months.
Age at 1 15 8-10 12
breeding C. CARE OF DRY AND PREGNANT DOES
(months) - If the doe is being milked, dry (stop milking) at
Estrus cycle 18-24 18-24 15-19 least 1 and 2 to 2 months before kidding date.
(days) - This will give her enough reserve for the next
Estrus duration lactation. Put all dry does in one compartment.
(hours) 18 24-72 24-72 - 1 week before kidding, place her in separate
kidding pen. This can be predicted by swelling
Post-partum 40-60 60 17 and discharge from the vulva, engorgement
estrus (days) and waxing of the teats and constant lying
Gestation 283 150 150 down of the doe.
period (days) - Avoid any form of noise in the kidding area.
- Dystocia- or difficult delivery, is common in
A. REPRODUCTIVE PHENOMENA these case sure that the presentation is right
before attempting to pull out the kid. In anterior
1. Sexual Maturity- Goat become sexually presentation, both front legs and head are
mature at the age of five to six months if they presented and in posterior presentation, both
are well managed and well fed. hind limbs come out at the same time.
2. Estrous Cycle- Once sexual maturity is - Oversized kids should be pulled out with an
reached, goats are regularly cycling, and that is even, continuous pressure. In difficult cases it
if they are managed property, Regular cycling is best to see a practicing veterinarian.
means the goat becomes in-heat or receptive
for breeding every 18 to 24 days with an
average of 21 days.
D. CARE OF THE LACTATING DOE AND - If possible, the same personnel should be
NEWBORN KID assigned. Goats can withhold their milk, so
- After delivery, wipe the kid's mouth, nose unnecessary changes in the routine should be
eyes with a clean, dry cloth and message the avoided.
thoracic are initiate breathing. Normally, this is
done by mother, sometimes the mother is too Milk quickly and continuously. Milk letdown can
weak to do it. Be sure no mucous is clogging be initiated by washing the udder with
the nostrils. lukewarm water and wiping with a clean towel.
- The kids must be able to suck within one hour. All milking utensils especially the milkers hands,
They may be weak to be propped up. For very must be thoroughly clean.
weak kids, feeding colostrums through
stomach tube or feeding bottle usually Feed concentrates during miking. This serves
produces dramatic results. as incentives to goats for them to enjoy and
- First-time mothers sometimes are reluctant to book forward to.
suckle their young due to udder pain caused by - Contrary to popular beliefs, properly drawn
over-engorgement of milk. Restraining does for and processed goat milk has no offending
the first sucking will usually relieve udder pain. smell.
If colostrums in the udder is not fully consumed - During milking, the buck should not near the
by kid stopping (manually milking out excess) doe so as not to transfer the typical goat smell
will be necessary prevent mastitis. to the milk.
- The placenta must come out within 24 hours
from expulsion of the fetus. E. CARE OF WEANLING AND GROWING
- Tie the umbilical cord with a sterile string and KIDS
apply disinfectant (tincture of iodine) on the cut
portion. - Place all weaned kids in a separate pen, if
- Allow the kids to suckle for the first 4 to 5 possible, according to size.
days. If the doe is - to be milked, separate the - If male kids are to be raised for meat, castrate
kids from the mother and start feeding using a as early as possible, preferably within the first
baby bottle (8 oz. Size). month.
- Refer to feeding guide for dosage. If the - If females are to be raised for milking, check
doe is not to be milked, the doe can be taken for excess teats and have them removed. Horn
out of the pen for feeding and returned to the buds usually appear within the first to third
kid three times a day and the whole night. month.
- This method will ensure greater livability to - Dehorn when buds reach size of a fingernail.
the kid by not exposing it to the elements, and - Separate males from females at the age of
proper feeding of the doe. Does weaned early four months. Goats sometimes reach puberty
(4 to 5 days) usually return to heat after 1 to 2 at this age.
months. -Start breeding females at 8 to 10 months.
- When the doe comes into heat, introduce it to Bucks can start at the same age.
the buck, not vice versa.
- Two services a day for two days is F. BREEDING
optimum. If the doe does not conceive, heat Reproductive characteristics of goats:
may return in 8 to 12 days. Higher conception
is accomplished in secondary heat. If breeding Age of Puberty 4 to 8 months
is successful, milk production drops after one Cycle of type Polyestrus
month and the right side of the abdomen starts Cycle of Length 18 to 21 days
to fill up. Duration of heat 2-3 days(secondary heat
8-12 days after
MILKING Gestation Period 150 ± 5 days
- Goats, like cattle, usually adapt to a routine.
Milking periods must be established and strictly Best breeding time: Daily during estrus
adhered to. - Does reach puberty from 4 to 18 months.
- If miking is done twice, say 6 a.m. And 6 p.m. Best breeding age will be 10 to 12 months,
The process should not be delayed or depending on the desired weight.
advanced.
- Limiting yearling buck services to 25 doe far-away proven bucks for impregnating their
services/year. Older bucks can cover up to 35 in-heat does."
doe services per year. - In the Philippines this has been successfully
-Buck to Doe ratio is normally 1: 35. done at national Rural Life Center (NLRC)) in
Dasmariñas, Cavite where the kid goat, A. 1
The following are signs of heat or estrus: was born.
1. Mucus discharge from the vulva, causing -The method is also being tried in Iloilo, which
matting of tail hair. receives shipments of frozen goat semen from
2. Uneasiness, constant urination, lack of the NLRC.
appetite and bleating
3. Seeks out or stays near the buck and lets G. OTHER ROUTINE MANAGEMENT
herself be mounted. PRACTICES
- The preferred method will be to
upgrade local native or grade does with pure 1. Hoof Trimming
bucks. - Goat's hooves under confinement are usually
- A maximum infusion of 75% foreign overgrown. Trimming required.
blooding must be served to retain the natural - A rose pruner and a small curved knife are
resistance of the native. adequate tools,
- Untrimmed hooves will cause lameness and
Dystocia make it prone to foot rot. Bucks refuse to
- It is very common in crossing natives with mount when having sore feet.
large pure-breeds due to the invariability large 2. Dehorning
size of the unborn kids - Especially in milking, dehorning is essential.
- Crossbreed birth weights of up to four kilos - A dehorned animal is more docile than a
for multiple births and up to six kilos for single homed one. It will also eliminate unnecessary
births have been observed while native birth wounds due to fighting.
weights reach only 2 and 4 kilos for multiple
and single births, respectively.
- Cross-breeding large native does with a
minimum weight of 25 kilos or more those that
have given birth will also be of help in saving
kids but this should be done only when
necessary.

Anestrus
- Failure to come in heat
- It is a common problem most particularly with
high-producing does.
- Several hormones, prostaglandin,
progesterone sponges and implants and
pregnant mare serum (PMS) have been used
with varying rates of success.
- Routine administration of oxytocin right after
kidding and before weaning (5 days) aids in
faster expulsion of the placenta, uterine fluids
in the rapid regression of the uterus.
- Routine vitamin A, D & E supplementation to
breeding herds also contribute to reproductive
well-being.

Goat Artificial Insemination

- Remarkable strides have been made in the
field of goat artificial insemination, a method of
breeding which enables goat raisers to utilize