Dairy goats successfully introduced in Tanzania

Norwegian Landrace (NL) crossbred dairy goats are performing exceptionally well in the highlands of Tanzania. In 1983/84, 63 kids of the Norwegian Landrace breed were imported by the experimental farm of the Sokoine University of Agriculture at Magadu near Morogoro. The stock was for pure-breeding and cross-breeding with local goats. However, although the performance of the pure and the cross-brads was promising both fell short of expectations. A decision was taken to send some goats from the 600m altitude at Magadu toe trial site in Mgeta division. There, at 1600m, the climate was more temperate and closely matched those conditions found in the mountains of Norway. Feed supplies were also plentiful. In May 1988, five farmers in the trial area were given two pregnant half-bred does, together with a management package devised by the University. This comprised advice and material for housing; feeding and breeding; veterinary services; monthly visits and occasional training. The results of the first half-year were much better than anticipated. The 10 goats gave birth to a total of 12 three-quarter bred NL kids, with an average birthweight of 3.1kg. Partial suckling was practiced up to weaning at 85 days of age, and in the first 10 weeks the kids gained an average of 150g per day. Milk yield per doe averaged 1.3 litres per day in the Fourth month of lactation. The incidence of disease was limited to one non-fatal case of pneumonia in a kid and two cases of milk mastitis. The change to a favourable climate and a high level of motivation among the Mgeta farmers were clearly contributory factors in achieving a level of performance that was comparable to those pure-bred NL goats in Norway. A Madsen and L A Mtenga Department of Animal Science and Production Sokoine University of Agriculture PO Box 3004 Morogoro - TANZANIA