Goat Farming Systems in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka: Feeding and Management Strategies

A survey (n=276) was carried out to gather information on goat farming systems in three districts in the Southern province of Sri Lanka. The objective was to identify the prospects and constrains to improve the economic productivity of the herds. Goats were ranked highest in population and second in terms of importance to the house hold. Buddhists were dominated in goat rearing while selling of live goats for meat production was popular in all three districts. Kid mortality (60-70% out of total deaths) became a serious threat which was mainly due lack of nourishment for kids during early growth, susceptibility to contagious diseases etc. There was an increased risk of an epidemic outbreak in all districts due to their generally low health status. Employing bio-diversity-based concepts in feeding was more prominent among rural farmers but acute feed shortage during dry spells was a major constraint in all districts. Despite the least attention paid, goat production has become a major livelihood activity in surveyed areas. In respect to goat production, breeding improvement, introduce more strategic feeding during dry season and health care should be improved and proper marketing facilities should be organized. Recommendations to overcome this situation would be to educate farmers on scientific goat management practices.