Comparative Analysis of Goat Management System and Productive-Reproductive Performance in Backyard and Commercial Farming Settings

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the productive and reproductive performance of goats in both backyard and commercial farming in Sitakunda Upazilla, Chattogram, Bangladesh. Various parameters, including age, gender, housing, breeding methods, disease prevalence, and reproductive and productive outcomes, were analyzed to compare the two farming systems by collecting data from farmers through a pre-tested questionnaire. The study revealed that reproductive performance indicators such as age of puberty was 6.05± 0.18 months in backyard and 6±0.31 months in commercial farming, gestation length 156± 23 days in backyard farming and 157.28±3.37 days in commercial farming, and first kidding age 11.53±0.21 months in backyard and 11.71±0.24 months in commercial farming. This finding showed no significant differences between backyard and commercial farming. One significant disparity (P<0.05) emerged in milk production, where commercial farming demonstrated markedly higher yields (0.77±0.11) compared to backyard farming (0.42± 0.18). Additionally, the study highlighted the prominent role of women (76.67%) in backyard goat farming, with commercial farming showing a higher proportion (75%) of educated farmers. Natural breeding was the preferred method in both farming systems. This research provides valuable insights into the dynamics of goat farming in Bangladesh, offering information that can inform management decisions and contribute to the sustainable development of the goat farming sector.