TSWANA GOATS PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT.

1. Introduction.
   1. Goats are adapted to survive in marginal rangelands
   2. They play a critical role in the rural economy ( sold for cash, source of meat and milk, skins)
   3. Are easy to keep by small farmers thus good for poverty eradication.
   4. Goat meat is the most healthy (rich in protein, low in cholesterol and better than beef, pork, chicken)
      
      
2. Why Tswana Goats
   1. Tswana goats are adapted to our environment.
   2. They are part of our heritage
   3. International obligations (Convention on Biodiversity, Conservation of Animal Genetic Resources)
   4. Research has shown that they are productive.
      
      
3. Productivity of Tswana Goats
   1. Tswana goats have good reproductive rate. The kidding rate is 145 to 161%
   2. Mature weight of a doe is 44 to 46 kg.
   3. It grows from 2.4 to 2.5 kg at birth to 17.6 kg at 4 months of age and to 32 kg at 12 months.
   4. Mortality from birth to weaning was around 12%
      
      
4. Management of Tswana Goats
   1. Selection of breeding stock
      1. Select goats with dark pigmentation under the tail and the hooves.
      2. Select goats with good conformation and good growth rate.
      3. Bucks must have intact and well-placed scrotum
   2. Breeding season
      1. Goats can be bred in Autumn or Spring
      2. Avoid winter kidding because kids will not withstand the weather
   3. Feeding
      1. Supplementary feeding is recommended when grazing or browse is inadequate. Goats usually fend for themselves if given enough time to graze or browse.
   4. Kraaling
      1. Kraals are for protection against predators at night. 
      2. Kraals facilitate easy handling of animals to carry out other husbandry practices such castration or hoof trimming.
      3. Each goat needs about 1.5m2.
   5. Disease and parasite control
      1. Routine vaccinations against major diseases are recommended.
      2. Regular dipping to control ticks
      3. Dosing against internal parasites
         
         
5. Markets and Marketing (slaughter / breeding stock)
   1. Goat meat is in short supply.  Arrange with butcheries to buy your stock. Young males can be sold at 12 months at around 30 kg liveweight. This will include animals that are culled from the breeding stock.
   2. Breeding stock should be sold by auction preferably
      
      
6. Predators and Stock theft
   1. Predators such as jackals can cause major losses.  Herding and the use of herding dogs are the best mitigation against losses.
   2. Farmers must subscribe to baits
      ​
      
7. Support Programmes and Networking
   1. Thuo Letlotlo is a must
   2. Livestock marketing cooperatives will facilitate marketing
   3. Farmers Associations are a must.  Join one or form one.