On-Farm Evaluation of Dual-Purpose Goat Production Systems in Kenya

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Abstract
One objective of the Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Support Program (SR-CRSP) in Kenya is to improve productivity of goats for milk and meat production on small farms in the humid tropics. A farming systems approach has involved a team of biological and social scientists from five Kenyan and U.S. institutions. Research on small farms in western Kenya has included characterization of local systems and identification of constraints to incorporation of dual-purpose goats (DPG) into local farming systems. On-farm research activities have included evaluating the demand for goat milk, providing feed for DPG without reducing yields from traditional food and cash crops, meeting nutrient requirements of kids when sizeable amounts of milk are harvested for human use and assessing labor and managerial time requirements for DPG. Results to date indicate that DPG can make a major contribution to the nutritional and economic welfare of small farm households in western Kenya.

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