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Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Goat registry to benefit Ontario breeders

Friday, February 1, 2013

by DIANNE FETTERLY

A goat registry to be established as part of a research project at Trent University will not only be beneficial for producers wanting to export their high quality goat genetics, but could also help those aiming to improve production in their dairy herds here at home.

“There is a lot of need for goat research here (in Ontario), so this is definitely a step forward,” said Jennifer Haley, executive director of Ontario Goat.

Led by Bradley White, director of the Natural Resources DNA Profiling and Forensic Centre at Trent, the project’s goal is to identify the genes responsible for high volume, quality milk production and birth rates in goats as well as to pinpoint those animals which can also perform well in tropical countries. The information will be used to improve genetics for goat producers in developing countries. Also part of the project is the online genetics database of goats, which can be cross-referenced with data on milk production, feed intake, birth rates and animal health.

The “hot climate” portion of the study will provide a great opportunity for the export market for Ontario goat genetics, Haley said. She also anticipates that many local producers will be interested in the milk production aspect of the project. If researchers can isolate the gene responsible for high milk volumes and quality, then that information would be very valuable in Ontario for producers aiming to improve their dairy goat herds down the road, she explained.

Cattle are a prime source for milk in North America, but many people around the world, especially in developing countries, rely on goats for milk, White said. He is working with a number of partners on the project including Bobcaygeon goat producers Lloyd and Barbara Wicks of Grasshill Farm Ltd.

The Saanen goats in the Wicks’ herd are producing upwards of seven litres of high quality milk a day as opposed to the one or one-and-a-half litres of milk produced by goats in developing countries. The Saanen goats routinely give birth to twins, triplets and even quadruplets, making it quicker to build up a herd. “Goats are very important to people in developing countries, where the number of goats in a herd can mean the difference between just sustaining the family and creating a family business,” White said.

As part of the research, several goats have already been exported to Trinidad where researchers are documenting milk quality and production, feed intake, birth rates, health and other factors to determine how well the animals perform under the tropical conditions. Feed is being shipped there as well to ensure the goats receive the same high-quality ration as those here in Ontario. White said goats tend to adapt much better than cows to hot climates.

The first phase of the research is set to wrap up this summer. A second phase will take another 16 months. Once it’s complete, there will be opportunity for Ontario goat breeders in the export of semen, embryos and animals to developing countries, White predicted. As well, there could be opportunity for feed companies to export high quality feed for the goats, he added.

While Ontario dairy goat producers may eventually want to use the database to improve their herds for either better milk production or the possibility of getting into the export market, White said their Quebec counterparts would probably only utilize the information to improve on milk production, since they receive a slightly higher price for their product.

Trent University recently received grants totalling $100,000 to fund the project, with $50,000 of the money coming from the Centre of Excellence for Goat Research, a partnership amongst Ontario Goat, Ontario Dairy Goat Co-operative Inc., University of Guelph, Trent University and the Greater Peterborough Innovation Cluster. The Canadian Livestock Genetics Association and a group of regional dairy goat farmers also contributed to the project. BF

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