Effects of seasonal forage supply on some fertility parameters in the Small East African goat in northern Kenya

Various fertility parameters are under investigation in the Small East African goat at Isiolo, northern Kenya. A programme of aseasonal breeding is used and parameters are examined in relation to the quantity and quality of forage available. Breeding groups consisting of 18 females each are used: bucks stay with one group for two months and are then transferred to another group. Records are taken for mating, abortions, birth weights, weaning weights and pre- and post- partum weights of dams. Preliminary results from the first four breeding groups indicate high conception rates in animals mated during the rainy season and low rates in those mated during the dry season. Weights were higher for kids born at the start of and weaned after the long rains when forage was good. High kid survival rates were recorded for animals born at the start of the long rains.