Abstract:
A questionnaire survey collected data from 50 goat farms located in Galgamuwa, Rasnayakapura, Maho, Kobeigane,
Nikaweratiya and Pannala divisional secretariats (DS) in Kurunegala district. The purpose of this paper is to discuss
the present status of the goat farming epecially focusing on the management systems and the constraints with the
intention of identifying the future prospects of goat farming in Kurunegala district. Analyzed data revealed that 60%
of the farmers had permanent goat housing systems while rest of the farmers (40% ) had temporary goat housing
sheds. Most of the goats (98% ) were indigenous and Jamnapari crosses. Three sources mainly contributed to the size
of t h r o a t herds were 80% from purchasing, 12% from tenant system and 8 % from breeding in the existing herd. The
total num berof the goats in the sample was 935 while the average herd size was 18. Cut and feed, tethering and free
grazing systems were found as m ajor feeding systems. There were no special diseases mentioned by the farmers
except occurrences of pneumonia, gastrointestinal parasitic problems and deaths during rainy season. Most of the
farmers (94% ) keep goats to generate income by selling to the retailers for meat. Food and water scarcity during the
dry season, diseases and unexpected animal deaths were the major constraints identified. If strategies could be made
to aware farmers and make supplementary feeds available for goats in the dry season, goat farming is a prospective
and economically important livelihood activity in Kurunegala district.
