A survey of dairy goat kid-rearing practices on Canadian farms and their associations with self-reported farm performance

Although future production of dairy goats is influenced by kid-rearing practices, little known regarding which practices maximize kid growth, welfare, and success. The objectives this survey study were to (1) identify common rearing Canadian commercial goat farms evaluate their associations with 6 farm performance indicators (2) determine if could be grouped management style on the basis compare across different groups. A was sent post or electronic media reach producers Canada. questionnaire contained 70 questions following areas rearing: kidding management, care newborn, colostrum milk solid feeding in preweaning period, health disbudding, housing conditions, weaning strategies, record keeping growth monitoring, data. Performance indicators, calculated self-reported data, 305-d production, mortality rate, diarrhea respiratory disease prevalence, average daily gain from birth weaning, herd replacement rate. total 175 questionnaires returned. After applying inclusion criteria, including size (≥40 goats) completeness surveys, 104 respondents Ontario (n = 72, 69%), Québec 23, 22%), Western provinces 9, 9%) retained for analysis, representing 29% all producers. Farm sizes ranged 42 2,500 (median 190) goats. large amount variation found between farms. Colostrum associated except timing delivery method accounting most within each 2 areas. Replacement rate mostly affected whether not kids reared dam. Herds surveyed successfully divided into 3 distinct groups (production-focused, longevity-focused, low performance), styles levels. Rearing higher targeted advisory services help improve