Characterization and typology of goat production systems in West Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Goat farming is one of the important activities for the community in West Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, that contributes to the social and economic development of this region. The present study aimed at characterizing the goat farming and its typology. The study was conducted in West Muna Regency with the land area of ± 906.28 km2 or ± 90.628 ha. Fifty-five goat farmers were surveyed. The collected data related to the production method and the farm characteristics covering six main topics, namely a) education, b) labor number, c) goat size and structure, d) facility and equipment, e) feed management and grazing, and f) breed. The data were analyzed descriptively using percentages for each observed variable. The result of the study could classify the goat production system in West Muna Regency as a family system and as one of the subsystems, with the average ownership was six goats. The farming mostly is done using an intensive method (76.36%) with traditional housing technology and low feeding technology application. The study found that farmers’ educational background was low; also, there was no investment and technical assistance for developing goat farming in this region. Thus, it is necessary to conduct an economic study to find out the economic status of the business. It is suggested to establish a farmer association and provide technical assistance to enhance business productivity.