7.2 Meat production from goats in developing countries

Abstract

In animal production systems, a particular species is utilized for two main reasons. First, because of its ability to adapt to a particular environment and use the existing resources efficiently. Second, and more particularly, its economic importance both actual and potential, which can be achieved by adjustment of the environment to suit this production. In this context, these factors are of significance to goats since they represent an important component of the livestock economies and are valued for a variety of reasons in developing countries (Devendra and Burns, 1970; Devendra, 1979a).