tailieunhanh - FARMERS DAIRY GOAT PRODUCTION HANDBOOK

In the first workshop, the experts pointed out thematic clusters for future research according to their opinion and experience. These clusters were defined in a guided brainstorming process. References to existing and past research programmes and initiatives were minimised to ensure a creative approach to the topic. The resulting thematic landscape of research issues, which included a broad range of topics from . functional food over the generation of new raw material to traceability and labelling systems, was subsequently checked for comprehensiveness and put into a logical order. A major output of the first workshop was the arrangement of the clusters according to the reversed food chain thinking (see. | Farmers Dairy Goat Production Handbook Dr. Bonface K. Kobe ria Mr. Patrick Mutia Mr. Camillus Ahuya FORWARD This farmers booklet on rearing dairy goats was written and prepared by FARM Africa to aid farmers keep and maximumly benefit from dairy goats. The booklet has been prepared using simple language that farmers can understand. Hence the efforts to avoid technical language. Writers share their project experiences with farmers. The growing demand for dairy goats within and outside Kenya has prompted us to prepare this booklet for farmers who may acquire goats from the FARM Africa project in Meru and need skills for rearing keeping the goats. Thorough and detailed information for those who may need can be obtained from a book by FARM Africa s chief Executive Dr. Christie Peacock - Improving Goat Production in the Tropics. Writer s of the booklet are Dr. Bonface K. Kaberia Mr. Patrick Mutia Mr. Camillus Ahuya all of FARM Africa - Meru and Tharaka Nithi Dairy Goat and animal Healthcare Project 1996 - 2003 . This booklet was produced in collaboration with Mediae. Funded by DFID. DFID puHmml fin Cntrtnjlion l Clrtrlxpmcnl FARM Africa 0 jfcjwwe 0 AMcs a 0 THE XM E D 1A E COMPANY MIDIA OR EDUCATION AND OEVtlOAMfNT INTRODUCTION TO GOATS Goats can produce well in different environments Goats are widely distributed in diverse habitats Deserts Mountains Grasslands Lush tropics Goats can live even when there are Water shortages Food shortages Very hot Variable temperatures changing from hot to cold Hard rocky country Goats survive because Short gestation - only 5 months Breed by season in temperate zones Breed all year round in tropical zones Often give twins How they feed They eat by grazing and browsing Brave and interested to seek out food Feeds at different heights Stand on hind legs to reach food Feet help them climb in trees DAIRY GOAT BREEDS 1. Saanen - Has a lot of milk up to 7 litres of milk per day - Whitish in colour - Large 63-77kg for females and Males weigh .