Summary
This project provides much needed information on
the nature and the extent of health problems of
tethered, stall-fed or grazed goats in different ecoclimate
zones of the Morogoro area of Tanzania.
Major disease problems of goats kept by smallscale
farmers and pastoralists were helminthosis
(internal worms), coccidiosis (intestinal parasites),
diarrhoea and ectoparasites (ticks, lice & fleas).
It also identified the need to improve the body condition of goats by feeding crop byproducts during periods of restricted grazing or poor feed supply, such as during the rainy season. This was found to help animals resist disease challenges from helminths which are greater during the rainy season. Better housing management, with improved hygiene, also reduced disease stress.
A small scale trial showed improved growth rates for goats treated with anthelmintics.
A booklet "Diseases of Small Ruminants in Sub-Saharan Africa" and extension leaflets on recommendations to improve management systems and control of diseases were produced for use by veterinary and extension staff and goat keepers.
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