What farmers say and ask

Apr 10, 2012

I acquired goats a few years ago and now they have started delivering kids. However, I would like to know when I should wean them. Secondly, if I want to castrate them, when should I do so?

When do I wean, castrate my goats?

Editor – I acquired goats a few years ago and now they have started delivering kids. However, I would like to know when I should wean them. Secondly, if I want to castrate them, when should I do so?

David Lubulwa, Wobulenzi, Luwero

Editor’s Note:

It is important to select the right time to wean kids. Under normal circumstances, this should be between two to three months in order to give the mother (doe) time to gain weight for the next kidding.  Castration, on the other hand, should be done much earlier when kids are about seven to 10 days. At this time, the process is less traumatising and easier.

How can I detect iodine deficiency in goats?

Editor – How do I detect that my goats are suffering from iodine deficiency?

Sandra Bonabana, Mpigi

Editor’s Note:

There are several signs of iodine deficiency in goats. These include enlarged thyroid glands, low growth rate, poor ham quality, reduced sexual activity and low semen count, abortion among pregnant does and weak limbs, among others.

(Answers adopted from a publication, Livestock Health and Management in Uganda.)

Help me get in touch with Bonnie Birungi

Editor – Thanks for all your effort in informing us about farming systems through your publication Harvest Money. I am a livestock farmer in Iganga engaging in piggery and poultry.

I kindly request you to get me the contacts of Bonnie Birungi of Mukono and the PUPIFA organisation because I would like to become a member of that organisation.

Thanks,

Dr. Sylvester Mukama,

BUCO AGROVET Consultants Ltd,

P.O.Box 940, Jinja

Editor’s Note:

Bonnie Birungi’s phone contact is: 0772595152 or  0772595152

What goat breed is good for milk production?

Editor – What goats should I get for milk production?

Ponsiano Kizito, Masaka

Editor’s Note:

Not every goat can produce milk, which is why you need to make a choice of the right breeds if your intention is to get some milk from your goats. There are two main breeds that can produce enough milk for both their kids and for you. These are the saanen and togenburg breeds. Each of these can produce three to four litres of milk per day if they are fed well.

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