EVALUATION OF BREEDING PRACTICES AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GOATS IN DOLLO ZONE, SOMALI REGION
Keywords:
Goat breeding, reproductive performance, Dollo Zone, Somali Region, uncontrolled matingAbstract
This study assessed goat breeding practices and reproductive performance across Warder, Danod, and Daratole districts of Dollo Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. A total of 156 goat-keeping households (52 per district) were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Additional data were gathered through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations. The findings revealed that 41.7% of respondents herded goats together with sheep, while 39.7% kept goats separately. The majority (75.6%) practiced uncontrolled breeding, driven mainly by communal grazing, lack of awareness, and insufficient breeding bucks. Consequently, inbreeding was prevalent, and knowledge of its effects was limited. Castration was practiced mainly for fattening purposes (50%), aimed at improving the animals’ market value. Puberty in Somali male goats occurred at 9.17±0.12 months and at 7.66±0.09 months in females. The average age at first kidding was 14.13±0.11 months with a kidding interval of 7.69±0.05 months. The average reproductive lifespan of does was 13.34±0.05 years, producing an average of 9.02±0.08 kids over their lifespan. In general, reproductive performance was considered low. The findings highlight a need to enhance goat productivity through improved extension services, selection of breeding stock, awareness creation on inbreeding, and adoption of modern reproductive management practices. Addressing these factors could improve income generation, food security, and sustainable goat production. Further research is recommended to identify the key determinants of reproductive inefficiency and the most effective breeding strategies suitable for local agro-ecological conditions
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