A survey of the productivity and functions of goats in Uganda

The social and economic importance of goats in the agricultural systems in Uganda is identified and evaluated in terms of their productivity and functions. The most important role of goats is the provision of meat. Small East African goats from the eastern region show a higher dressing-out percentage than those from other regions. In an abbatoir study goats slaughtered were between one and half and three years old and their composition was 53.6 per cent females 34.9, percent castrates and 11.5 percent entire males. Other roles, are religious ceremonies, funeral rites and cultural events. There is, however, still need for people to utilize goats to bridge the protein gap by directly supplementing family diet. This requires a change in attitude, which is still inhibited by custom and tradition. Modern management regarding goat husbandry should be adopted and breeds capable of improvement should be identified.