Rearing and marketing practices of Vizianagaram goats in Andhra Pradesh

A field survey was conducted to document the existing management practices followed by goat rearers in Vizianagaram district (Andhra Pradesh). The study was conducted from February to October 2018 covering 240 farmers spread over 80 villages in 16 mandals in the district using pre-tested interview schedule. In the study area, the main breeding season for goats was monsoon (63.33%), followed by summer (24.17%) and winter (12.50%). The main kidding season was winter (60.42%), followed by monsoon (32.50%) and summer (7.08%). All the farmers practised extensive system of goat rearing: however migration was practised by 36.67% of respondents. Majority of the goat farmers (75.40%) constructed the goat shed adjacent to the farmer's house. Almost all the goat farmers (99.17%) provided kutcha shed with thatched roof (97.92%) and murram flooring (100%). Majority of the respondents (73.33%) adopted colostrum feeding in kids; however 97.50% did not practise creep ration feeding to kids. Weaning was practised at 4 months age by majority of farmers (71.67%). Vaccination and deworming of adult goats was adopted by 85.40% and 96.66% farmers, respectively. Majority of goat farmers (73.33%) approached para veterinarian followed by veterinarian (26.67%) for the treatment of sick goats. Most of the goat farmers (82.08%) sold the kids at the age of 3 to 4 months and adults at the age of above 6 years. Majority of respondents (50.83%) disposed of goats in shandies followed by village (35.83%) and nearby towns (13.34%).The study suggested that the non-descript goats of Vizianagaram district should be improved by selective breeding and superior bucks may be supplied to the goat farmers. The farmers need to be educated to wean the kids at 3 months of age and follow regular vaccination and deworming practices.