Abstract
BackgroundGoats, often associated with sheep, are a vital part of the national economy in many countries around the world, and goat farming contributes significantly to the family economy, sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction. In order to study the goat farming system in Algeria, this study, which started between September 2012 and June 2015, involved 141 farms in 104 villages and 21 wilayas in Algeria.ResultsThe results showed that 99.29% of the goats producers were male, most of which (74.47%) were not the owners of the animals. Goat farming represents a main activity for only 18.44% of the farmers surveyed. They are generally found in small numbers often associated with a large sheep herd (78.72%). Of the 141 farms visited, 50.35% use a sedentary farming system, 17.71% practice seasonal transhumance during the dry season (May to October), and 31.91% are semi-sedentary. However, it is worth noting that females (85.82%) are often more numerous than males (14.18%) in the herd. The farm that generally constitutes the shelter is reduced in most cases to a simple pen, without a roof, inside which the animals are enclosed and whose space is delimited by a metal or wooden fence. Hygiene is in the majority of cases poor (57.45%). Most of the farms (78.01%) do not contain goats of the same breed, and crossbreeding is generally not controlled (78.72%) and is very rarely done with bucks of the same breed (14.89%). Most breeders (92.20%) largely neglect the health of their goats compared to sheep.ConclusionFinally, the Algerian goat seems to be largely neglected and considered as a secondary species associated with sheep. For this reason, it is mandatory to give more importance to this species. The Algerian government must carry out activities related to the conservation and improvement of breeding systems through the development of breeding programs and ensure the sustainable management of ecosystems used for food production.
Highlights
Goats, often associated with sheep, are a vital part of the national economy in many countries around the world, and goat farming contributes significantly to the family economy, sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction
This study provides a relevant view of current farming practices in 21 wilayas in Algeria, provides a large amount of information on traditional goat production systems in rural areas and identifies possible risk factors weighing on the genetic diversity of the Algerian goat resource
The goatherd is an employee receiving a monthly salary of 30,000 to 40,000 Algerian dinar (DA) (Algerian Dinar). His food is generally based on milk, cakes and "Robe"
Summary
Often associated with sheep, are a vital part of the national economy in many countries around the world, and goat farming contributes significantly to the family economy, sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction. Goat farming is a vital component of the national economy in many countries, in the Mediterranean and Middle East regions (Selvaggi and Tufarelli 2012; Selvaggi et al 2014). The economic and social role played by goat farming is increasingly recognized. The economic and social role played by goat farming is increasingly. According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), the world goat population is estimated at 1 045915764 head in 2018, of which the African continent accounts for 41.88% (FAOSTAT 2018). Contrary to other regions of the world where goats are not reared for their meat, which is little appreciated, goat meat is highly. Ouchene‐Khelifi et al Bull Natl Res Cent (2021) 45:22 appreciated and consumed by the majority of the population in Africa (Gnanda et al 2016; Tchouamo et al 2005).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
