Production System, Herd Size and Productivity of Local Goats in Liquiçá Municipality, Timor-Leste

Abstract

Abstract The goat is a species of small ruminants that has great potential in the development of its production. The aim of this study is to obtain basic data on the rearing system used by the breeders, herd size and productivity of goats kept only in a traditional subsistence production system. Data collection period starts on September 20 to December 20, 2018 or is carried out for three months. This study used the survey method and in the process of determining the research site used the intentional sampling. In determining the sample size, Slovin was used, and to determine the respondents, it used the simple random sampling method. The observed variables are herd size, herd structure, gestation period, litter size, weaning age, first giving birth, reproduction ratio and production system. The results of the research showed that all farmers who had been as the respondents generally still used the traditional extensive system, did not pay attention to the problem of feed quality and frequency of feeding; only using local feed as animal feed. alternative supplementary, does not handle the problem of reproduction ratio well, the gestational age of the goats is still normal, the litter size is low, mostly only 1-2 heads per birth, the mortality rate is low at 1%, the age at first calving is 12 months and the weaning age young goats are generally 3months - 6 months. It is recommended to improve the maintenance system with good management to increase the productivity of local goats.