Dairy goat farming is becoming increasingly popular as a viable option to ensure food security in sub-Saharan countries. For that reason, many rural communities are adopting dairy goat farming as a crucial alternative socio-economic activity for their households.
Consequently, dairy goat production is being introduced as a means of alleviating poverty in rural areas by improving people’s livelihoods. This is mainly through milk production for household consumption and income from selling surplus milk and breeding stock. Dairy goats are also kept as valuable assets for farmers. In addition, dairy goat farmers generate income by selling meat, skins, and fiber. Furthermore, goat manure is highly valued in the food production industry, providing additional benefits for dairy goat farmers.
Dairy goats production capacity
In Kenya, annual goat milk production accounts for 6.5 kg, which is approximately 0.02% of the total milk production in the country. On the other hand, goat milk is in high demand in the market due to its high nutritional value compared to cow milk. Furthermore, people who are allergic to cow milk can now opt to consume goat milk as an alternative. Goats are good browsers and can selectively feed on different types of shrubs, grass, and organic matter, giving their milk a unique and delicious flavor.
Slow adoption of dairy goat farming
While dairy goat farming is a profitable enterprise in Kenya, its adoption has been slow due to a lack of knowledge among Kenyan farmers about their production. Therefore, dairy goat farming has not been able to meet the high demand for goat milk, leaving a gap between demand and supply in the Kenya market today.
Why adoption of dairy goat farming is gaining popularity in sub-Saharan countries.
Dairy goat farming is a viable enterprise for raising the consumption of animal proteins as well as income generation for small-scale livestock farmers. Dairy goat farming is profitable under small production. This is because the profit margin is under the influence of prevailing production factors. This enterprise, therefore, provides a good business opportunity for small-scale farmers willing to venture into such a business that does not require a lot of investment. Consequently, dairy goats require a small initial capital investment as compared to cows. In addition, you can rear goats in small spaces even in urban settings in contrast with cows which require abundant space.
Dairy goat Breed kept by Kenyan farmers.
In Kenya today, farmers from different areas keep different breeds according to their traits of weather tolerance. Dairy goats are in fact more adaptable to arid and semi-arid conditions and climatic changes than dairy cows. This is because goats are smaller in size than dairy cows in terms of feeding and physiological function thus gaining popularity over dairy cows which need heavy feeding and physiological function and cannot tolerate high temperatures. Therefore, although there exist many dairy goat breeds you can choose from in Kenya, your choice largely relies upon climatic conditions in your locality. This is because each breed best performs well in a certain weather tolerance.
What to consider before choosing the dairy goat breed for your farm.
When choosing the most suitable dairy goat breed for your farming operations, it is essential to take into account several critical factors to ensure success.
First and foremost, you should evaluate the breed’s milk production capacity and quality. It is advisable to opt for breeds that have high milk yields and excellent milk components such as fat and protein content.
Secondly, it is crucial to consider the breed’s adaptability to your local climate and environment. Select breeds well-suited to your specific location to ensure their health and productivity.
Thirdly, you must assess the breed’s disease resistance and overall health characteristics. It is recommended to choose breeds with sturdy immune systems and good health records to minimize veterinary costs and ensure sustainable farming practices.
Lastly, it is worth considering the breed’s temperament and behavior. Look for breeds that exhibit a calm and docile nature, as this can make handling and management easier for dairy farming operations.
The Toggenburg Breed of Goats
The Toggenburg is one of the least successful exotic breeds found in arid and semi-arid regions. However, this breed exhibits several characteristics that make it a valuable asset for farmers and breeders.
Distinctive Features:
– The Toggenburg has white legs and a white stripe running from the nose to the eyes.
– They also have a distinctive white triangle at the back.
Size and Productivity:
– Mature Toggenburg males typically weigh between 65 kg to 70 kg, while females range from 45 kg to 50 kg.
– They have a respectable milk production capacity of around 3 liters per day.
– Interestingly, their milk production can last for an extended period if not immediately utilized.
Adaptability and Suitability:
– The Toggenburg breed also adapts well in tropical climates, making it a suitable choice for farmers in such regions.
– Additionally, this breed is also can survive in colder areas, expanding its versatility and potential for various geographical locations.
Upgrading Local Breeds:
– The Toggenburg has proven to be an excellent choice for upgrading local goat breeds, contributing to the improvement of genetic diversity and productivity.
Toggenburg breed, despite being one of the least successful exotic breeds in arid and semi-arid regions, possesses valuable characteristics that make it a valuable asset for farmers and breeders. Its adaptability, milk production, and suitability for upgrading local breeds make it a breed worth considering in appropriate environments.
Saanen.
Here are the characteristics of the Saanen dairy goat breed.
The Saanen dairy goat has a distinctive white or pale cream coloration. While the breed typically exhibits a solid white or cream coat, some individuals may have small black spots on the nose and udder area. Notably, the skin of Saanen goats is often speckled with black spots as well.
Saanen goats are naturally polled, meaning they do not have horns. Their ears are typically pointed and face forward. Mature male Saanen goats weigh around 75 kg on average, while females typically range from 59 to 60 kg.
Farmers value this breed highly due to its exceptional milk production capabilities, with an average daily yield of 3.9 kg. Additionally, the milk produced by Saanen goats has a relatively high butterfat content, around 4%.
It is important to note that Saanen goats are sensitive to strong sunlight and high temperatures, which can negatively impact their health and productivity. As such, proper housing and management practices are crucial for ensuring the well-being of this breed.
Furthermore, farmers use Saanen dairy goats regularly in breeding programs to upgrade the milk production of local goat breeds, leveraging its superior locational performance.
Alpine.
The Alpine dairy goat is a versatile and widely distributed breed originating from the mountainous regions of Central Europe. Known for their adaptability to various climatic conditions, Alpine goats are a popular choice for dairy production in the tropics. They often outperform Saanen goats in these environments.
One of the distinguishing features of the Alpine breed is the diversity of coat colors and patterns. Common variations include:
– White front quarters with black hindquarters
– Greyish-black coats
– Black necks with white heads.
In terms of physical characteristics, mature Alpine bucks typically weigh around 65 kg, while they does weigh approximately 60 kg. This breed has reliable dairy production, with an average milk yield of 4.5 kg per day. The milk is of high quality, containing an average fat content of 3.6%.
