Strategies for reduction of kid mortality in Goats

Abstract

Goat production system in India has started slowly moving from traditional low input extensive to high input intensive commercial production system. One of the important limiting factors of goat rearing is the high level of mortality among kids, which can affect the economic viability of goat farming. The factors associated with kid mortality are age of the kid, birth weight, types of birth (single, twin, triplet), the season of birth, fodder availability, flock size, breeding system, predators and diseases (both infectious and non-infectious). The mortality of kids in goat farm varies from 16–33% depending upon the management system of the farm. The selection of females
and males at proper age and weight for breeding is required for the birth of a healthy kid. Good management practices on the farm can reduce the mortality of the kids. Maintaining balanced nutrition of pregnant goats throughout the pregnancy period can ensure birth of healthy and viable kids. Proper care of newborn kids, isolation of sick animals, quarantine of newly purchased animals, sanitation, and hygienic measures of the farm can reduce infection of the pregnant goats and kids. A good shelter condition is required for the kids in different seasons to reduce mortality. Vaccination of pregnant goats against infectious diseases can reduce kid mortality as immunity will pass to kids through colostrum.