Maradi Goats Research Articles

Maradi goats

This datasheet on Maradi goats covers Identity.

Typology of red maradi dairy goat farms in the north east of Benin

1 ABSTRACT The characterization of livestock systems enables to identify the diversity of livestock farms in order to define development actions. The aim of this study is to characterize the different farming practices observed in the Red Maradi goat farms located in the North East of Benin. Data collection took place between August and December 2019, in 90 goat farms with at least one breeding nucleus of the Red Maradi breed. Using the Multiple Correspondence Factor Analysis (AFCM) and Ascending Hierarchical Classification (CAH) methods, a typology of Red Maradi goat farms in the region was developed. Thus, four types of breeding of Red Maradi goats were identified. Agro-pastoralists, traders (27.59%) and craftsmen (17.24%) mostly from the Bariba socio-cultural ethnic group (38.72%) characterize wandering peasant farms (type 1). They are responsible for herds of modest numbers (15 ± 8 heads) made up by purchase. The mode of rearing goat straying is practiced in 93.1% of these farms against 6.9% of semi-straying. The animals hardly have a sheepfold. The farms (type 2), semi-scavenging peasant herds, are mainly characterized by breeders and agro-breeders of the Fulani and Gando socio-cultural ethnic group (56%). They are responsible for small herds (16 ± 8 heads) and practice the seasonal straying of goats (88%). The animals are housed on these farms (58.07%) in a basic sheepfold and receive crop residues as a supplement. The breeders of type 3, semi-improved peasant breeding are from a very diverse socio-cultural ethnic group Dendi (23%), Yorouba (19%), Fon (11.5%), Bariba (12.5%) with a relatively higher level of education. Over 75% of type breeders have reached secondary level. They combine their main activity, public service, commerce and crafts, the breeding of goats with herds of relatively larger size (20 ± 15 heads). The animals are housed in more improved sheepfolds built in roughcast or hard earth and in 75% of these farms receive food and water in the pen. Type 4, semi-intensive dairy farming of Red Maradi goats, brings together farm farms producing and upgrading goat's milk. Fon (51.25%) and Bariba (48.75%) mostly own these farms. They are responsible for larger herds (57 ± 7 heads) so 35% is made up of the Red Maradi goat and the rest of the Saanen breed. The animals have a permanent sheepfold and, in addition to the basic ration consisting of fodder, a production supplement consisting of concentrate.

Comparison of some zootechnical performances of local and Red Maradi goats reared under smallholder production systems in the Sudanian zone of Benin

The aim of this research was to compare the zootechnical performances of indigenous and Maradi goats reared under village conditions in the Sudanian zone of Benin. A questionnaire survey was carried out between August and October 2019, using the 12MO, a retrospective method for estimating demographic parameters in tropical ruminant livestock population and the progeny history method. Information related to farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, goat herd management practices and demographic parameters, and milk productivity from 198 does including 66 West African Dwarf (WADG), 68 Red Maradi (RMG) and 64 West African long-legged (WLLG) goats were collected in 80 smallholder farms. Pearson Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis W tests were performed respectively on the categorical and continuous variables. The average herd size was about 16.7 ± 9.0; 5.8 ± 3.1 and 15.4 ± 7.4 heads respectively for WADG, RMG and WLLG. Bucks were absent in several herds where kids (47.9 ± 12.8%) and does (46.6 ± 12.8%) predominated. Prolificacy rates at first and second parturition varied significantly (P ≤ 0.05) among goat types and were respectively 165.2 ± 59.5% and 195.1 ± 66.9% for WADG; 160.3 ± 55.0% and 196.0 ± 53.9% for RMG; 134.4 ± 54.1% and 154.6 ± 51.0% for WLLG. Parturition rates were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in WADG (159.1 ± 49.5%) than in RMG (138.2 ± 49.0%) and WLLG (132.8 ± 47.3%). Likewise, productive rates were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in WADG (277.3 ± 142.3%) than in RMG and WLLG (204.4 ± 125.1% and 168.8 ± 102.2% respectively). Milking was only performed on RMG and the amount of milk collected per milking ranged between 0.6 and 1 liter per doe. Enhancing goat herds’ productivity could be achieved through improved general herd management practices.

EFFECT OF WATER DEPRIVATION ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, NITROGEN RETENTION, AND WATER EXCRETION IN YANKASA SHEEP AND MARADI GOATS

The effects of various lengths of water deprivation on nutrient digestibility were studied with Yankasa sheep and Maradi goats fed on a diet consisting grass hay (Andropogon gayanus) and 40% concentrate. The water-restricted animals consumed less dry matter than normally-watered animals. The digestibility coefficients of the different nutrients were apparently though not significantly higher in water-restricted animals. Mean faecal and urinal nitrogen excretion reduced with water deprivation. Faecal moisture content and urine output reduced with water deprivation. Maradi goats conserved water better than Yankasa sheep by producing drier faeces, and less- urine volume.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF RED SOKOTO AND WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS FED ON NATIVE PASTURES SUPPLEMENTED WITH CONCENTRATE RATION

Six Red Sokoto (RS) and six West African Dwarf goats (WAD) aged 12 months and housed individually were reared for five months at the Small Ruminants Improvement and Multiplication Research Unit of ESUT, Abakaliki Campus. The animals were allowed to graze in the University Paddocks containing both native and introduced pastures, browse plants and leguminous herbage. The grazing period lasted from 0800 - 1200 hours in the morning and 1500 - 1700 in afternoon daily and between these two periods they were fed supplemental diets. The results showed that there were highly significant difference amongst the members of the genotypes whose mean body weights were ranged from 24.71 $ 0.083 - 40.750 0.55 (RS) and from 14,98+ 0.47 - 27.52 0.73kg (WAD). The heights at the withers and body length measurements also showed a highly significant increase (P< 0.01) in the genotype during the period. The two genotypes differed remarkably (P< 0.01) from each other with RS being superior in body weight and height at the withers, and body length. However, the measurements taken of the thigh size and hearth girth circumference revealed no real difference between the RS and WAD (P >0.05). The findings indicate anthropometric areas requiring genetic improvement among the WAD, and at the same time serve as a pointer to the amount of response shown by the Maradi goats to management in the wet humid tropical environment to which it was being exposed.

Singleton and twin pregnancies in Red Maradi goats: changes in maternal serum biochemical composition and ovarian biometrics at mid gestation

Pregnancy involves some structural and physiological adjustments to achieve an optimal outcome for the fetus and its mother. The magnitude of these changes is influenced by number of fetuses in utero. This research was designed to compare serum biochemical and ovarian morphometric changes associated with singleton and twin pregnancies in Maradi goats. Using Richardson formula, 2.1 × [CRL (cm) + 17], twelve (12) ovarian and blood samples (7 single and 5 twin) from mid gestation (≈70-100 dGA) pregnant goats were purposively selected. Ovarian weights, ovarian diameters, serum biochemistry and levels of ovarian sex hormones were determined and analyzed using standard procedures. Twin pregnant goats had higher (p < 0.05) left ovarian weights, average ovarian weight, left ovarian diameters, average ovarian diameter, serum calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels compared with singleton pregnant goats. There was no significant variation (p > 0.05) in the mean crown-rump length, mean gestational age, mean fetal weight, right ovarian weights, right ovarian diameters, serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, AST, ALT, total protein, estrogen and progesterone between sinlgeton and twin pregnant Red Maradi goats. Ovarian sections from the twin bearing mid gestation goats had more growing follicles and fewer primordial follicles compared with the singleton bearing goats. Findings from this study indicate that twin pregnancy, which could be genetically programmed, has the tendency to affect ovarian follicles development, ovarian morphometrics and calcium metabolism in mid gestation in Red Maradi goats.

Assessment of the reproductive traits of Saanen, Red Maradi goats and their crossbreeding the Sudano-guinean zone of North Benin

The study was conducted at the farm of the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) "Fermiers Sans Frontière" to assess the reproductive performance of Red Maradi, Saanen goats and their crossbred F1 and F2 (backcross) in an intensive livestock farming system in northern Benin. The reproduction data were collected on 238 goats. The Red Maradi first reached age at conception and first kidding, followed by F1, Saanen and F2 (P<0.05). On the other hand, the average weight at mating was significantly higher in Saanen, followed by F1, F2 and Red Maradi. Goats born in the rainy season had better reproductive performance than the others born in the dry season. Similarly, single-born goats had the shortest period (P<0.05) for some reproductive performances (age at conception, age at first kidding, kidding interval and gestation period). The Red Maradi breed was superior in all reproductive traits indicating better reproductive performance of this breed compared to Saanen and F1 and F2. The effect of the season on most traits indicates the need for supplementation of goats during the dry season when the pasture condition is very poor for better reproductive performance.

Effect of feeding level on production performance of lactating Red Maradi goats and post-natal performance of kids

Forty pregnant Red Maradi goats were used in Caprine Centre of Maradi (Niger) for two subsequent lactations from day one to day 14 of lactation to evaluate the effect of feeding levels of dams on production performances of dams and post-natal performance of kids; to determine the effect of previous levels of feeding dam on production performances of kid and dam; and to determine the ME intakes of kid and dam and their requirements based on AFRC and NRC systems. One diet was formulated for two kiddings as follows: 38% of crushed and urea-treated of millet stover (CUTMS), 32% of groundnut haulms (GH), 22% of wheat bran (WB) and 8% of cottonseed cake (CSC). For the first kidding until the second kidding, four treatments were constituted, T1, T2, T3, and T4, and formed respectively by four feeding levels 842, 934, 1079 and 1300 g/kg DM corresponding to 200 g, 400 g, 600 g and 800 g of milk production, respectively. A randomized block design was applied on 40 does according to body weight, parity and birth type implying 10 does per treatment, and forty-nine born kids of which thirty-one singles and eighteen twins were fed colostrum and milk using feeding bottles. During the second kidding, dams were fed with T4. Dry matter (DM) intake and ME intake of dams increased linearly (P 0.05) of kMEint at the second lactation. The previous level of feeding, age and birth type affected (at least P<0.05) the final body weight and body weight change of dams. The kMEint observed were similar to ME requirements of AFRC but lower than that of NRC. To overcome the ME requirements of kids and lactating does of Red Maradi goats, the requirements of NRC system should be used. © 2017 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Feeding levels, kids, metabolizable energy, post-natal performance, Red Maradi goat

Some Uterine and Ovarian Biometric Changes in Pregnant Maradi Female Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus L.)

This study aimed to determine the changes in the biometry of the ovaries, of the uteri and its contents in the Maradi doe-goat during the three terms of pregnancy. Pregnant uteri from 28 female goats and their corresponding ovaries were used to study the biometric changes in the ovaries, gravid uteri, amniotic and allantoic fluids volumes, fetuses and plancentomes during the three terms of pregnancy. The results revealed that there was no significant variation in the ovarian weight during the three terms of pregnancy. However, there were significant variations in the ovarian length (left ovary 2.15 ± 0.16 cm; right ovary 2.10 ± 0.10 cm) and width (left ovary 1.77 ± 0.19 cm; right ovary 1.60 ± 0.10 cm) in the third term of pregnancy compared to the ovarian length and width in the first term of pregnancy. The uterine weight showed significant variation in the first term, second term and in the third term of pregnancy. The uterine length of both horns also showed significant variations in the first term (left side 31.40 ± 1.79 cm; right side 28.22 ± 0.98 cm), second term (left side 51.58 ± 4.14 cm; right side 50.51 ± 3.62 cm) and in the third term (left side 70.67 ± 1.76 cm; right side 80.38 ± 2.75 cm) of pregnancy but only in the third term of pregnancy was a significant difference in the lengths of the left side uterine horn (70.67 ± 1.76 cm) compared to the right side (80.38 ± 2.75 cm). The number of plancentomes was constant in both uterine horns throughout gestation; however the mean caruncular diameter increased progressively from the first term of gestation through the third term of pregnancy. The smallest and largest caruncles were observed on the ventral surfaces of the uterine horns, and the plancentomes were observed to be aligned in a linear manner along the longitudinal axis of the uterine horns. This study shows that there are differences in the biometrics of the ovary and uterus in Maradi goats compared to some other breed.

Caractérisation morphologique de la chèvre rousse du Niger

This study aims to provide data on the physical profiles of the red goat of Maradi. It was conducted in the centre of the goat's main territory, and further comprised 4 departments of the Maradi area (Tessaoua in the east, Dakoro in the north, Madarounfa in the south and Guidan Roumdji in the west). This work was performed on 339 animals including 77 in the centre, 88 in the east, 69 in the north, 50 in the south and 55 in the west. It focused on the following measurements: height at withers, scapulo-ischial length, chest size, back length, length of the horns, ears and head, the presence of “pendeloques” and goatees, the coat color and structure of the hair. The results have shown differences between body variable measurements related to geographical position. In fact, the geographical position has significantly influenced body profiles, IGS and IAT indices (P &lt; 0.0001). The dominant trend of the red color is probably an adaptation character of Maradi goats. Our contribution to define the standard of this breed of red goats should be summary as a population with medium size, short and erect ears, two horns (most developed in males) tilting back, short hair and the presence of a beard (beard developed in males) in both sexes. We also note the presence of “pendeloques” in some animals in the East of Maradi.