Retrospective study on some diseases causing mortality in West African Dwarf (Fouta djallon) goats during the first year of life: an eight-year study

Abstract

During an eight-year-study involving 242 kids born between 1993-2000, kid mortality for kids up to / year old was 47.52%. Irrespective of the age group, mortality was generally very high in young kids. The patterns of deaths were as follows: 29.57% before 3 months; 26.96% between 3 and 6 months, 12.17% between 6 and 9 months while 31.30% died between 9 and 12 months of age. Mortality rate for the 6-9 months period was significantly lower (P<0.05) than at other periods. The causes of kids' mortality were bad mothering abilities, malnutrition and disease. Pneumonia (37.39%) and pneumoenteritis (34.78%) were the major causes of death during the first year of life It was found out that kid with birth weight below 1.0kg and twins died before weaning. The introduction of new goat is a source of infectious disease especially PPR in the herd/flock. Also observed, as source is the introduction of new goats at age group 9-12 month. It is recommended that disease prevention, good management including the provision of adequate feeds for good growth and efficient veterinary care should be provided for goats in their first year of lif