Influence of genotype and topography on the goat predation challenge under communal production systems

The objective of the study was to compare incidence of predation of goats in flat lands and mountainous areas. It was hypothesized that the predation challenge is affected by the genotype of goats and the topography in which they are kept. Data were collected from 195 goat owning households using structured questionnaires; 100 households from the mountainous areas and 95 households from the flat areas. An average of eight goats was reported per household. Diseases and theft, followed by predation were ranked as the major causes of goat losses in both areas. Jackals (Canis aureus L.), caracal (Felis caracal), wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) and leopards (Panthera pardus) were the common predators specially during the hot wet season. Farmers owning non- descript crossed goat genotypes were five times more likely to experience predation problems than farmers owning the indigenous Nguni goats. Farmers staying in mountainous areas were 2.3 times more likely to experience predation challenges than farmers in the flat land. Kids were the major class of goat targeted by predators. Predation largely occurred in the veld and drinking areas. The main means to prevent and control predation are discussed. The use of guard dogs, night penning and fences is identified to prevent predation and the use of more adapted Nguni genotypes rather than non-descript crossed animals is recommended.