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Goat Production Survey - Fundamental Aspect to Model Goat Production Systems in Southern Africa
Computerised modelling and information technology are extremely useful in livestock production systems. In many instances the complex nature of intensive and extensive productions systems alike require complex analyses in order to obtain the most useful combination of production factors. These include a complex matrix of common production factors like various production and reproduction characteristics.
Indigenous communal goats give birth for the first time at approximately 17 to 18 months of age.
Does conceive at a relatively low condition score and their average litter size is 1.7 kids per doe. Kidding intervals were approximately 238 days with the highest kidding rates in autumn (96 %), spring (93%), winter (63 %) and none in summer (0 %). The mortality rates of goats in communal systems are extremely high (40.62 %) compared to systems with better management (<5%).
The mortality rates result from theft, poor hygiene, and predation. Breeding is not controlled, does run with bucks the whole year and consequently they breed all year round. Computerised modelling make it possible to emphasis the most useful combination of factors that will contribute most to improving the production system depending on the availability of funds and other inputs. To read the complete Case Study document on Goat Production Servey download the Goat Production Servey (PDF 80 KB).
Livestock Identification and Trace-back System
In late 1997 and early 1998, the outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) or Mad Cow Disease struck the global beef market, with devastating consequences. Subsequently, a series of increasingly stringent regulatory measures pertaining to food trace-ability were introduced over the following three years. These regulations had a bearing on Botswana’s beef export to its main market, the European Union (EU).
The Government of Botswana then introduced the Livestock Identification and Trace-back System (LITS) for the computerized individual identification and registration of cattle and origin-based labelling system permitting monitoring, or traceability of beef products to the farm. This was in partial fulfillment of EU export requirements.
To read the complete Case Study document on Livestock Identification
and Trace-back System download the Livestock Identification
and Trace-back System (PDF 126 KB).
A Computerized Decision Support Tool For Improving Beef Production In Botswana
Sustainable use of rangeland for beef cattle production under variable rainfall conditions requires a quantitative understanding of feed supply and the requirements of different classes of cattle for survival and production. A simulation model was developed to predict both herbaceous and woody plant production using daily inputs of rainfall and temperature.
The model was validated against actual live weight of grazing animals measured over three years and was found to accurately predict the performance of grazing animals and pasture production under variable rainfall conditions.
The results of the model were interpreted in the light of government policies for rangeland management, strategies for research and development and options for livestock marketing.
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