Goats can Yield Elephant returns Her Majesty- Indlovukazi Champions the Swaziland Goat Value Chain By Dr Lindiwe Majele Sibanda 20 October 2011. Swaziland LMSibanda@fanrpan.org;
Recognizing African Success FANRPAN Food Security Policy Leadership Awards Her Majesty, Queen Mother Indlovukazi Ntombi of the Kingdom of Swaziland http:///about/annual_dialogues/
Comparison Age Swazi Matebele Kalahari 1 st kidding 301 days 300 days 220 days Kidding interval 268 days 311 days 243 days Litter size 1.18 1.19 2 Birth weight 1.9kg 3kg 3.5 kg Mature weight 25kg 30kg 45-60kg 45kg (12 month) 75-115kg Mortality rate 30% 49% Low Commercial off-take 60% - - Domestic Off-take 33% - -
The Name: Kalahari Red Their name is derived from their red coat and the Kalahari Desertin South Africa. The dominant vegetation: grasses, thorny shrubs, and Acacia trees Can survive long drought periods of more than ten months every year
Brief History The Kalahari Red is regarded as an indigenous goat breed originating from southern Africa Was recognized as a landrace breed in 1998 Now with an established breeder s organization
Purpose of Kalahari Red Goat They are generally used in meat production Provides a leaner protein source than beef, lamb, chicken or pork. Meat Types: Chevonis the meat from goats that were 6 to 9 months of age at slaughter. Mature goat meat comes from animals above 1 year of age.
The Breed Characteristics Have the ability to thrive in varied and poor conditions Innately hardy and naturally adaptable Are much less susceptible to disease and parasite infestations than other breeds Excellent mobility allows them to walk far in search of food and water
Kalahari Red Matured Bucks
Kalahari Red Matured Doe
Kids at different ages 4 weeks old 1 Year old
Growth & Carcass Weight The average weight of a buck is: as much as 115kg, while does reach 75kg. Kids grow fast. Normally, young kids show weight gains of 1.5kg per week, with some even exceeding 400g per day. Dressing percentage ranged from 38.8 per cent to 49.2 per cent and averaged 43.1 per cent.
Colour A uniform, solid red colour, with all the unique advantages that this brings Their earthy colour provides a good camouflage that protects them from predators Able to endure heat and strong sunshine
Kalahari Red Genetics Blood tests and genetic distance testing showed: Is a separate breed Is not related to any other South African goat a condition stipulated for the breed to be registered Ewes are fertile and produce plenty of milk Have excellent maternal instincts
Maternal Ability They have exemplary maternal instincts "the Kalahari does are great mothers, that's for sure. We have never had any trouble when they are kidding, and they have that much milk it makes you wonder if you shouldn't start a dairy and milk them"
Reproduction They breed all year round, and will kid three times in two years. The normal breeding season is during the fall of the year when the day length is shorter. The heat (oestrus) period averages 21 days. The doe will be in standing heat (be receptive to the buck) anywhere from 12 to 48 hours. The gestation length of a goat is approximately 5 months or 150 days.
Exceptional Twinning Characteristics Breeders tend to select specifically for twins, which are normally of equal strength. Ewes have excellent maternal instincts, and lamb right in the veld and raise their kids there. No labourers are needed to assist ewes to find their young.
Kid Survival &Behaviour To prevent kid mortalities as a result of an inability to suck, breeders select specifically for well-developed and properly attached teats. Generally, newborn kids are strong and have a strong urge to suck. They herd well, and animals flock together.
Goat Profit Framework Profit = Incom e - Costs Profit = Price x Throughput - Costs Price R/kg Marketing Growth Kg/hd/yr Genetics Profit/Enterprise R/kg/ha/year Throughput Kg/ha/year Reprod % Nutrition Profit/Community R/Community Deaths % Health Profit/Region R/Region Costs R/kg Managem ent
Commercialization Commercial meat goat production should be based on four primary factors: adaptability to the environments; reproductive rate; growth rate; and carcass value.
Market The meat goat industry in southern Africa is built around ethnic demand for the product. derived from various religious and social traditions It is important to familiarize yourselves with the customs, holidays and preferences (type and weight of the slaughter goat or carcass) of their ethnic clientele There are three other niche markets for goats: Markets serving health conscience consumers -goat meat is low in fat and cholesterol Restaurants that feature ethnic foods or feature goat meat Export market (especially the Middle East)
Overall Advantages In SA they are bred in harsh conditions, arid and semi-desert areas. The outstanding qualities of these goats hardiness, colour, size and maternal instincts were the reason for starting this breed. They feed on a wide variety of plants and are resistant to disease and parasites The Kalahari Reds is a popular choice in areas where farming is less labour intensive. A further bonus is lean meat with an excellent taste and texture.
Conclusion Breeders who are interested in obtaining breeding material must ascertain that both the animals and the breeder are registered, and that the animals are also Studbook registered. http://www.kalaharired.net/
Pledges of Support Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) National Emergent Red Meat Producers Organization, South Africa FANRPAN to work with the United Nations Food Agriculture Organization (FAO) to approach: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) World Vision International
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