Reproductive Performances of Livestock Goats in Sahelian Region of Africa

Abstract

The aim of this work was to determinate the reproductive performances of kidirmini goats in the farming systems of the south western of Chad. A total of 3599 local goats of Kirdimi breed in 2 farming systems was used in the study: the semi-extensive (n=2747) and the traditional extensive system (n=852). The age at the first farrowing, the farrowing interval and the cull age were calculated. The fecundity, fertility and prolificacy rates were also estimated in each farming systems. Results showed that the age at the first farrowing, the farrowing interval, the fertility and the fecundity rates did not differ between the systems. The cull age was higher in the traditional extensive system compared to that of the semi extensive system (p<0.05). However, the prolificacy rate was higher in the semi extensive system compared to the traditional extensive system (p<0.05). In conclusion, most of reproductive performances did not differ between the two goat farming systems. Despite the constraints of the region, reproductive performances of local goats in Sahelian region of Africa are considered acceptable compared to other regions. Thus, Kdirmini goat is a suitable breed in this region that requires good breeding practices to enhance a sustainable productivity.