Breeding objectives and trait preferences of Nguni goat farmers in Limpopo province, South Africa

Abstract Understanding the farmers production objectives, breeding practices and trait preferences is important in designing and implementing Community-based breeding program (CBBP) for genetic improvement of livestock. Thus, this study assessed production objectives, breeding practices and trait preferences of Nguni goat farmers in four agroecological zones of Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using a participatory approach, a semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 33 Nguni goat farmers. Frequencies, percentages, chi-square test, and Kruskal–Wallis were used to identify and compare categorical variables across agroecological zones. An index was used to assess the importance of each criterion. The majority of the farmers were males with secondary education, and socio-economic characteristics were non-significant (P > 0.05) across agroecological zones. Farmers bred their goats all year-round, with uncontrolled mating practices and used bucks born within the flock for breeding. The breeding season, purpose of keeping bucks and source of breeding bucks were statistically different (P < 0.05) across the agroecological zones. Most farmers culled goats based on age and practiced extensive system, with no significant difference in production systems across zones. Income generation was primary objective for keeping goats, and it varied significantly (P < 0.05) across the zones. Body size was the predominant selection criterion for both buck and does, with significant difference (P < 0.05) observed across the zones. These results are crucial for the designing of CBBP for Nguni goat farmers in Limpopo province, South Africa.