Goat Science and Production presents comprehensive, state-of-the-art information on the science of goats and goat production for meat, dairy, and fiber. Chapters provide a fundamental understanding of the goat anatomy and physiology as well as production issues such as welfare, disease management, and feeding.Goat Science and Production is an essential introduction and reference to this increasingly important production animal.

Sandra G. Solaiman, PhD, Professional Animal Scientist, is Professor of Animal and Poultry Sciences and Director of the Small Ruminant Research and Education Program at Tuskegee University, AL. She is also an Adjunct Professor at Mississippi State University, MS, and Auburn University, AL.

Foreword ix

Preface xi

Acknowledgments xiii

About the Contributors xv

1 Perspectives on Goats and Global Production 3C. Devendra and S.G. Solaiman

2 Goat Breeds 21N.K. Gurung and S.G. Solaiman

3 Conservation of Goat Genetic Resources 39J.N.B. Shrestha and S. Galal

4 Breeding and Genetics 55J.N.B. Shrestha and G.H. Crow

5 Animal Evaluation 77R.A. Ebert and S.G. Solaiman

6 Functional Anatomy of the Goat 89G.M. Constantinescu and I.A. Constantinescu

7 Applied Reproductive Physiology 139J. Greyling

8 Digestive Physiology and Nutrient Metabolism 157S.G. Solaiman and F.N. Owens

9 Ingestive Behavior, Diet Selection, and Feed Intake 179H. Dove

10 Feeds and Feeding Management 193S.G. Solaiman

11 Health Management, Diseases, and Parasites 217J.E. Miller, B.M. Olcott, and G.F. Bath

12 Preferred Management Practices 241L.J. Dawson

13 Meat Production and Quality 255K.W. McMillin

14 Milk Production 275Y.W. Park and G.F.W. Haenlein

15 Fiber Production 293C.J. Lupton

16 Environmental Enhancement 313A. Peischel

17 Housing Requirements 323S.G. Solaiman

18 Business Plan, Production Enterprise, and Marketing Strategy 339S.G. Solaiman, E. Kebede, and E.M. Aviki

19 Future Needs for Teaching, Research, Extension, and Outreach 359S.G. Solaiman and G.F.W. Haenlein

Appendices 369

Index 389