Factors affecting mortality rate of Tagger goats in the Gezira State, Sudan
Abstract
SHORT NOTE
Goat meat is important in the Sudan due to high goat population, wide distribution and cheap prices. However, it is generally less preferred than mutton and beef and is preferred in rural areas. The international demand for goat meat is increasing due to its high nutritive value and low fat. However, exports are less than expected from goat population in the country. Goat meat production is still traditional in the Sudan and is based on natural pastures with low inputs and outputs (Mudawi, 2002; Ombabi and Elimam, 2007). Improving goat production is likely to boost local demand and exports and increase sheep and cattle exports. Goat meat production could be improved by improving health, genetic constitution, nutrition, management, marketing and capacity building. Tagger goat is mainly found in the Nuba Mountains, South Kordofan State, Sudan and is an important meat producer due to superior meat quality and conformation (Mofarrah, 1995; Elbukhary, 1998; Mudawi, 2002).The breed is recently introduced into the Gezira State for meat production. Mortality rate is among the main factors affecting goat meat production in the Sudan. Information on Tagger mortality rate is not available in the Gezira State. Consequently, this study was conducted to study Tagger mortality rates and factors affecting them in the Gezira State, Sudan.
References
Ameh, J.A., G.O. Egwu, and A.N. Tijjani. 2000. Mortality in Sahelian goats in Nigeria. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 44: 107 111.
Ba, S.B., H.M. Udo and D. Zwant. 1996. Impact of veterinary treatment on goat mortality in the semi arid area of Mali. Small Ruminant Research 19: 1- 8.
Eik, L.O., G.C. Kifaro, S.M. Kiango, O.M. Nordhagen, J. Sofari and L.A. Mtenga. 2008. Productivity of goats and their contribution to household food security in high potential areas of East Africa: A case of Mgeta, Tanzania. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development 8: 278- 290.
Elbukhary, H.A.1998. Production characteristics of Tagger goats. M.Sc. Thesis, Faculty of Animal Production, University of Khartoum, Shambat, Khartoum North, Sudan.
Marai, I.F.M., E.I. Abou- Fandoud, A.H. Daeder and A.A. Qbu – Ella. 2002. Reproductive doe traits of the Nubian (Zaraibi), goats in Egypt. Small Ruminant Research 46: 201-205. .
Mofarrah, M.B.1995.Goats breeds and varieties in Sudan. Proceedings of the Centre for Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Land (ACSAD), Khartoum, 17-27 January 1995.
Mudawi, T.M. A.2002. Performance characteristics of Tagger goats in South Kordofan State, Sudan. M. Sc. Thesis, Department of Animal Science, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan.
Ombabi, Y.A. and M.E. Elimam. 2007. The husbandry of the Desert goat in Elobied area, North Kordofan State, Sudan. Gezira Journal of Sgricultural Sciences 5: 82-89.
Osuagwuh, A. and J.U. Akpokodje. 1984. The reproductive performance of West African WARF (Fouta Djallon) goat. Tropical Animal Production 9: 231- 238.
