Health MeasuresGoats should be de-wormed regularly or as advised by

the local Veterinary offi cer. This also applies to spray for

control of ticks,fl eas and lice. Goat production in dry areas of Kenya

Kenya Agricultural Research InstituteP.O. Box 57811-00200, NAIROBI.

Tel: 254-20-4183301-20, Fax: 254-20-4183344Email: resource.centre@kari.org

Website: www. kari.org

Compiled by: Korir, B.K.

For more information contact:

Centre Director, KARI Kiboko, P.O.Box 12, Makindu 90138

Tel: (045) 22366/7/8Fax: (045) 622314

Email: karikiboko@yahoo.co.ke

KARI information brochure series / 20 /2008 Ksh. 20

Tel: 254-20-4183301-20, Fax: 254-20-4183344Healthy goats

The breeding buck should be changed as soon as the

daughters become sexually mature.

Feeding The quality and quantity of feeds is a big problem

especially during the dry seasons.

Feed storage in feeds stress periods is essential and can

be achieved through planting of dual purpose crops

such as sorghum, cowpeas and dolichos.

Other options include:

• Acacia pods collected and stored for use during

periods of scarcity.

• Setting pastures aside as reserved grazing and

sowing with quality feeds.

• Water should be provided throughout even when

goats have diarrhea.

BreedingChoice of breed and its management are important in

goat production. The predominant breeds in dry areas

are Gala (Somali) and Small East African.

Mating should be done so as to coincide with periods

of good feed supply to increase conception rates and

the twinning ability of the goats.

Kidding should also occur when feeds are plentiful to

ensure enough milk for fast growth rate of the kids.

Kids which grow fast attain sexual maturity early and also

withstand disease challenges.

Inbreeding should be avoided by removing young males

from the herd.

An apron used on the undesired males in the herd is

also an effective way of controlling mating.

IntroductionGoat production in the dry week of Kenya has been

factors that include:

• Disease and pest infections

• Poor breeds and breeding routines

• Poor nutrition

• Endo and ecto-parasites infestation.

Good housing, breeding and feeding can overcome these

constraints and reduce high mortality and slow growth

rate of kids.

HousingHouses should be well ventilated, well lit damp proof

and made from affordable local materials. Goat houses

protect the kids from harsh weather conditions which

can cause pneumonia.

Housing also helps:-

• Individual animal attention

• Prevent predation and theft

• Manure collection.

Routine cleaning gets rid of ecto-parasites and other

pathogens and the manure is used to improve fi eld

crops.

• Setting pastures aside as reserved grazing and Suckling kid

Male fi tted with Apron

also an effective way of controlling mating. Well ventilated goat house