A Study on Castrated Black Bengal Goat Fattening

This study examined the profitability of selected IGA and risk management of the beneficiaries in particular household under the project of LIFT. PKSF Partnership for Development and Justice has currently been implementing the project LIFT under WAVE foundation. WAVE foundation starts their work from 2008 at southwest region of Bangladesh in the district of chuadunga. A research was required to detect IGAs appropriate and profitable for this specific target group. Central research issues were: (a) Profitability and sustainability of castrated male goat fattening including market study and recommendations minimum internal and external conditions; and (b) Possibilities for risk management/minimization. Kushaghata, Karpasdanga, Senerhuda, Akondobaria village from Damorhuda upozilla under Chuadunga district were purposively selected for the study. Primary data were collected through sample survey. Research Assistants, who were postgraduate students of the Sylhet Agricultural University (SAU); Faculty of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), were appointed for data collection. The fieldwork was conducted in November 2013. Mainly activity budgets were prepared to assess the profitability of the concerned IGA. Field grazing was the main feeding system and was strongly influenced by season. One person was able to herd 9-11 goats in the dry season while in the rainy season the number of heads was 20-25. In addition to the family members, servants were also engaged to graze goats. The farmers reported that they used the sale proceeds from the goats to cultivate crops, purchase food, housing and clothing, social activities, educational expenses and purchase of land. Most of the farmers in the study area reported that goat fattening was a profitable business and that they could overcome a crisis by selling goats. It is concluded that there is a need to have more information on the role of goats in rural development so that appropriate research strategies can be developed.