STUDY ON PRODUCTION PERFORMANCE AND MORTALITY OF GOAT UNDER TRADITIONAL REARING SYSTEM IN TANGAIL DISTRICT

Abstract

This study investigates the management practices, health challenges, and mortality rates of goats in the Dhonbari Upazila, Tangail District, Bangladesh, with a particular focus on the Black Bengal breed. The study was Conducted over three weeks and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 120 farmers across eight unions. The findings reveal that 58% of farmers utilized a semi-intensive rearing system, predominantly providing goats with green grass and tree leaves, while only 17% supplemented their diet with concentrate feed. The overall goat mortality rate was 23.1%, with a concerning kid mortality rate of 42%, primarily due to infectious diseases such as Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), pneumonia, and diarrhoea. Vaccination coverage was low, with only 17% of farmers reporting vaccination practices, indicating significant gaps in disease prevention. The study also reported an average litter size of goat was 1.71 and an average birth weight of goat was 1.24 kg, which influenced by seasonal factors. These results highlight the urgent need for enhanced management strategies, improved disease control measures, and targeted educational programs for farmers to increase goat productivity and promote food security in rural Bangladesh.