Essential aspects of goat farming
Word From The Market with Cliff Chiduku
ZIMBABWE has for years been experiencing diminishing amounts of rain owing to changing weather patterns. In the face of climate change, farmers have to employ adaptation and resilient mechanisms.
Farmers can spread the risk associated with changing weather patterns by planting various crops and raising different types of livestock.
Diversification provides a buffer against crop failure, helps maintain soil health and prevents the spreading of diseases and pests.
In livestock farming, diversification is also crucial. This strategy is aimed at spreading risks, maximise resource utilisation and enhance overall productivity and sustainability.
By diversifying the livestock component of a farm, farmers can benefit from improved efficiency and resilience in the face of market fluctuations or climate change.
Goat farming is an underrated enterprise in Zimbabwe despite its potential to be a multi-billion-dollar industry.
Small ruminants, especially goats, have shown better adaptability to hot environments compared to large ruminants such as cattle. Goats are generally an easier and cheaper option for livestock production as they can thrive even in difficult conditions where there is less water. They can withstand drought conditions better than cattle and they can thrive even when feeding on leaves of shrubs and require less management.
Local breeds, in particular, have demonstrated superior adaptability to hot climates when compared to other types.
To beef up the national herd, President Mnangagwa launched the Presidential Goat Scheme, which targets to benefit more than three million households.
Under the programme, goats with improved genetics will be distributed across the country. This is meant to boost the breeding stock, numbers and quality. According to the second Crop and Livestock Assessment Report for 2023, the goat population stands at 4,9 million.
Some private companies are complementing Government efforts to boost the national goat herd by breeding Boer, Kalahari Red and Matabele goats. This is also meant to commercialise goat production targeting the export market.
More smallholder farmers can eke out a living from goat farming, especially if the country develops genetics that thrive well in local environments.
Fodder
Supplementary feed is crucial in goat farming as it ensures adequate nutrition for growth and development, which ultimately results in better health and productivity.
Zimbabwe, like many other developing countries, has a large population of smallholder farmers who rely heavily on livestock production, including goat farming.
In this regard, fodder production is an essential component of goat farming. Fodder includes grasses; legumes such as cowpeas and beans; and crops such as maize and sorghum. These types of fodder are rich in nutrients, which are essential for the health and growth of goats.
Good nutrition is critical in goat farming as it directly affects growth, reproduction and productivity. Inadequate nutrition can lead to stunted growth, higher mortality and decreased production, which can have a significant impact on incomes.
Cross-breeding
Cross-breeding of indigenous goats with exotic breeds like the Boer and Kalahari is another practice that is significantly improving income to those in goat farming.
Indigenous breeds are primarily kept for subsistence purposes as they have low weight and reproduction rates. By crossbreeding, farmers can improve the genetic makeup of goats to improve weight gain and reproduction rates, which ultimately leads to increased productivity.
Market
Marketing is another important consideration for smallholder goat farmers if they want to be successful. Most smallholder farmers rely on their goats for income generation. Therefore, it is crucial to market products effectively to increase their income.
Besides meat, goats can be reared for milk. Goats produce about 2 percent of the world’s total annual milk. Hides also fetch good prices on the local market. Demand for goat meat always outstrips supply locally and on the international market.
This demand is driven by its nutritional values. Compared to red meats such as beef, mutton is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, making it a healthier option for those who are health-conscious.
According to ZimTrade, export opportunities abound in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United Arab Emirates, which have less stringent requirements as compared to the European Union.
◆ Word From The Market is a column produced by AMA to promote market-driven production. Feedback: cchiduku@ama.co.zw or WhatsApp +263781706212.
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