Mortality in sahelian goats in Nigeria

The cause of mortality in sahelian goats was investigated in three local go vernment areas of Borno State (Kukawa, Maiduguri and Mongonu) that are know n for high goat production. A total of 150 selected flocks (50 flocks from each of the local government areas) were administered questionnaires throug h spot visits and interviews of the flock owners. On the whole, 644 (21.8%) goats died between May 1996 and April 1997 out of the 2956 goats in the 15 0 flocks. Mortality (41.4%) was higher in kids (<6-month old) than in adults (14.4%). Gastrointestinal disorders (dyspepsia), and respiratory diseases were the most-common causes of mortality. Cause-specific mortality risks did not dif fer between kids and adults. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights rese rved.