The Role and Breeds, Management Systems, Productivity and Development Strategies of Goats in Indonesia: A Review

Abstract

Small ruminants like sheep and goats are important for a larger part of the Indonesian rural population. The major breeds of goats found in Indonesia are the Kacang and Etawah goats. The biological and economic function of goats have long been recognised. Besides producing animal products, they also provide manure to maintain soil fertility. Goats are kept as an important component of farming activities, particularly by smallholders. The existing goat husbandry is normally the result of hundreds of years of tradition. Different systems of goat production have evolved in response to factors such as climate, need of the owner, economic environment, and level of technology available. The general aim in the management of goat production units is to increase the productivity. The biological productivity of goats is determined by the fundamental processes of reproduction, growth and development and death. Key production traits which should be considered for improving goats’ productivity are adaptability and productivity conditions, reproductive rate, growth rate and carcass value. The objectives of this paper are to review the role and breeds of goats, current management systems and productivity for goats with particular reference to Indonesia, and to discuss the development strategies that may have specific applications in the Indonesian situation.