Understanding the Level of Biosecurity and Animal Welfare Measures In Goat Farming of Western Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Goat production is still recognized as a traditional form of livestock production among farmers in Sri Lanka. Biosecurity and animal welfare are one of the main determinants of the quantity and quality of goat production in Sri Lanka. The study aims to understand the present status of biosecurity and animal welfare of goats farming in Western Province, Sri Lanka. Pre- Tested, structured farm survey questionnaires were used to collect data on 107 farms from Gampaha, Kalutara and Colombo from November 2020 to March 2021. 78% of farms were reared under intensive system others were semi-intensive and extensive 19% and 3% respectively. In all districts farm and owner’s house situated very closely. 77 % of farms had only an entrance. Nearly 90% of the farms having fences. Only 3 % of farms in Gampaha has foot bath. Nearly 92% of farms in all three districts use elevated sheds constructed with a wooden slatted. The availability of quarantine pens at farms of Gampaha, Colombo, Kalutara were respectively 48%, 57% and 83%. The majority 71% of goat farmers in Colombo aware of the importance of health certificate compared to farmers in Kalutara, Gampaha. The disposal of dead animals within the farm is about 46%. Mainly 51% of farms’ goat manure was applied to their home garden. Less than 1% of farms uses Personal Protective Equipment in the day-to-day farming activities. Family labours were used in all farming systems. Overall 81 % of farms fed roughages relies on roadside grasses as the source of feed. Vaccination adoption at the farm for Foot & mouth disease and regular deworming were 100% and 95%. Only 3% of the farms were having animal identification practices. Promoting new technologies and farmer awareness will improve the sustainability and productivity of the farms.