Impact of veterinary treatments on goat mortality and offtake in the semi-arid area of Mali

Abstract

Mortality and offtake data were collected in the semi-arid area of Mali from 1518 goats under traditional management, over a period of 1.5 years. A preliminary survey indicated that health care was a major management problem. Three treatment groups were formed: (1) control, (2) a group of animals vaccinated against Pasteurellosis, Anthrax and ‘Peste des petits ruminants’ (PPR), and (3) a group vaccinated against these diseases and an additional deworming. Goats were allocated randomly within the flocks to each treatment group. Vaccinations and deworming were done over a period of 1 year. Average kid mortality rate was 18%. About 40% of deaths in kids were the result of malnutrition, losses due to predators, and injuries. Veterinary treatments, including vaccinations and deworming, had no statistically significant impact on kid mortality. Kid mortality can best be reduced by improving management practices. In goats older than 6 months the package of veterinary treatments reduced mortality significantly. In particular, deworming reduced mortality. Mortality rate was 16% in controls, 12% in vaccinated goats and 4% in vaccinated and dewormed goats. Impact of vaccinations and vaccinations plus deworming on the production system was limited. Veterinary treatments had no effect on weight development of the goats. Also, no significant increase in offtake was found in treated animals. Thus, number of goats increased in the vaccinated and dewormed group. It is concluded that it is advisable to vaccinate goats to reduce the risk of periodic outbreaks of diseases. Feasibility of deworming will depend on the costs involved.