Observation

This question was fairly attempted by the candidates.  In 2(a), most of the candidates were able to state the characteristics of West African goats.  However in 2(b), most of the candidates were unable to discuss the management of goats under breeding, care of kids, identification and castration.

The expected answers include:

2  (b)   Management of goats

            (i)         Breeding
-           Goats should be bred when they are at least 8-9 months old for the male and 12-15 months for the female/attainment of puberty
-           Unwanted males should be castrated or disposed of while good    
males are retained
-           Males should be separated from females at weaning stage where
possible
-           Female should be flushed before mating
-           One buck can mate eighteen to twenty five does
-           Signs of heat should be identified/observed

(ii)        Care of kids
            -        Clean the mucous membrane when the kid is born
-        Dip navel of the kid in Iodine solution
-        Provide warmth when necessary
            -        Ensure that kids suckle or are provided with colostrum
-           Provide foster mother or milk substitute if necessary
-           Introduce kids to solid feed/weaning at six to eight weeks
-           Provide creep feed
-           Provide salt lick
-           Maintain proper sanitation
-           Undertake routine medication/vaccination
-           Isolate sick animals
-           Castrate kids not required for breeding
-          Isolate dam and kid from the herd to avoid trampling
-           Separate kids from dams during grazing periods

(iii)       Identification

-           Determine the appropriate identification method e.g. ear notching,    
ear tagging, neck chaining, collar paint, branding, body/hair cutting
-          Ensure proper record of animals for breeding, culling, selection,
medication purposes
-          Inspect the animals regularly to ensure that their identification   
marks are intact
-          Replace lost identities/re-embossed faded marks
-          Prompt treatment of injuries that may arise during and after   
identification process

(iv)       Castration

-           Male kids not required for breeding should be castrated
-           Castration should be done before four months old
-           Determine the type of castration to be carried out e.g. close castration,
using the burdizzo or elastrator or open castration, using sterilized sharp knife
or blade or scarpel
-           Castration is done to remove the characteristic odour
-           Isolate castrated goats from the herd for close monitoring
-          During the healing process ensure regular cleaning of the wound
with appropriate antiseptics
-          Administer prescribed drugs to goat after castration
-          Ensure that animal is kept on high plane of nutrition during the
period of castration
-          Supply clean water regularly
-          Ensure proper sanitation in pens where castrated goats are kept
-          Close monitoring of the animal to determine the effectiveness of
the castration