Microlivestock Little-Known Small Animals with a Promising Economic Future (1991) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:
2 Microgoats
2 Microgoats
Pages 33-46
The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.
From page 33... ...
l' Such "microgoats" are noted for their high reproduclive rates, rapid growth, early maturity, tasty meat, and rich milk, as well as for their robust constitution, ease of handling, and tolerance of climatic stress and poor feeds. To many people~specially where pigs and poultry are not common- meat and milk from microgoats are the primary animal proteins consumed during a lifetime.
|
From page 34... ...
Their reproductive potential has often been underestimated; kidding is rarely difficult, and many types produce twins and sometimes even triplets or quadruplets. In hot, dry areas, goats require less attention than other livestock, and smaller goats have the added advantage of better heat dissipation.
|
From page 35... ...
They may become stubborn and aggressive when threatened or thwarted, and can prove hard to confine. If their feed smells of other animals particularly of other goatsthey usually shun it unless nothing else is available.
|
From page 36... ...
Some microgoats are good milkers, and under stressful conditions they may keep producing when other livestock are dry. Goat milk is a valuable dietary supplement: it is nutritious, easily digestible, and usually commands premium prices.
|
From page 37... ...
They are particularly important in providing ready cash, such as for school fees, taxes, marriages, or funerals. Goats integrate well in mixed agriculture, for example, by consuming leafy wastes, clearing land, and contributing fertilizer.
|
From page 38... ...
This would be a tragedy because the bezoar is a resilient wild species that crosses readily with domestic goats, and it could pass on its genetic inheritance for heat, drought, and cold tolerance; disease resistance; and other survival qualities. Fascinating science and valuable results probably await those willing to study this hardy, handsome creature and to explore the reharnessing of its genetic endowment.
|
From page 39... ...
Improving hygiene in the wet season and supplemental feeding in the dry season are also important, as are disease- and parasite-control measures. The undomesticated ibex and markhor could possibly be major contributors in the development of new, useful breeds for tropical and arid regions (see sidebar, page 42~.
|
From page 40... ...
, and quadruplets occasionally occur (most goat breeds normally produce only single births)
|
From page 41... ...
2~30 kg. A widely neglected meat and hide animal found over a wide range, it is fast growing (sexual maturity at four months)
|
From page 42... ...
On the other hand, the ibex is compact and muscular and produces tender, mild meat that steak lovers find delicious. The product from crossbreeding the two is a creature seemingly able to endure extreme temperatures and drought, make use of poor pasture, and produce wonderful steaks.
|
From page 43... ...
A 2-year-old markhor/goat hybrid maintained as a stud male for improving a goat herd. Genes from such half-w~ld animals help enrich many domestic goats of this region.
|
From page 44... ...
Robust meat goats of Spanish or West African origin that are kept throughout the Caribbean. Crioulo Brazil.
|
From page 45... ...
A meat goat, usually black, for harsh desert conditions. Sinai (Black Bedouin)
|
Key Terms
This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More
information on Chapter Skim is available.