Goat production performances in an upland area of East Java

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Science
• Livestock Production

Background:

• Improving goat production is crucial for East Javan farmers.
• Etawah-grade does are being introduced to enhance local goat breeds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the production performance of Etawah-grade does versus local does.
• To evaluate doe performance across multiple parities (1st-4th).

Main Methods:

• Comparative study of Etawah-grade and local does.
• Performance metrics included body weight, litter size, and litter weight at weaning.
• Feed efficiency was assessed using litter weight per metabolic body weight.

Main Results:

• Etawah-grade does were significantly heavier (9 kg average) than local does.
• No significant differences were observed in litter size or litter weight at weaning.
• Local does exhibited higher litter weight per kg metabolic body weight, indicating better feed efficiency.

Conclusions:

• While Etawah-grade does offer a weight advantage, local does demonstrate superior feed efficiency.
• The cut-and-carry system using plantation tree leaves (e.g., Leucaena leucocephala) supports viable goat production.
• Goat farming can be effectively integrated into upland farming systems in East Java.