Dairy Goat Production Systems: A Comprehensive Analysis to Reframe Their Global Diversity

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Agricultural Economics
• Ecology

Background:

• Goats are crucial for small-scale rural families globally.
• Existing dairy goat production systems (DGPSs) lack a unified categorization framework.
• Understanding DGPSs is key to supporting producers and achieving sustainable development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a multifactorial categorization of DGPSs.
• To emphasize rainfall and nutritional supplementation as key factors.
• To highlight the role of goats in rural livelihoods and sustainable development.

Main Methods:

• A multifactorial approach was used for categorization.
• Categorization focused on rainfall and nutritional supplementation levels.
• DGPSs were divided into two metasystems and six subsystems based on resource availability.

Main Results:

• Two metasystems were identified: one with limited resources (subsistence, extensive, agro-silvopastoral) and one with increased resources (semi-extensive, semi-intensive, intensive).
• The first metasystem prioritizes risk reduction, while the second focuses on maximizing product yield.
• Global initiatives exist for scientific collaboration in goat production, safety, and quality.

Conclusions:

• Re-evaluating DGPSs is essential for supporting millions of marginalized producers.
• Goat production contributes to food security, economic stability, and land recovery.
• Collaboration among researchers, producers, and policymakers can enhance goat farming and achieve sustainable development goals.