EVALUATION OF GOAT PRODUCTION IN THE HUMID GULF COAST OF TEXAS

Our research activities are designed to support increased economic opportunities and improved quality of life for rural American farmers. The objective of this paper is to examine our research efforts and determine where we can be more productive and sustainable. Goat research activities using Tennessee Stiff-legged (TS), Spanish (SP), Nubian (NU) and Boer (BR) breeds in different production systems at the International Goat Research Center at Prairie View A&M University, located on the northeastern corridor of the Gulf Coast region of Texas, approximately 45 miles from Houston, have been examined. From a diallel crossing experiment we recommended the use of terminal sire TS on the cross of NUxSP females. Goats that were fed at intermediate level of a ration (70% of ad libitum) were significantly more efficient (P< 0.05) in converting feed to gain. Comparison of intensive and pasture rearing systems indicated that pasture raised SP kids were significantly heavier (P< 0.05) than intensively raised SP kids, while the opposite was true for TS and BR kids. It would appear that on pasture, the SP kids grew faster than the TS kids. Between breeds, growth performance was higher for the BR and TS breeds in the intensive system, while growth performance was higher for the SP in the pasture system. It would appear that the SP breed is more adapted to production under pasture (or extensive) production system. Even though the TS breed is smaller, under intensive system it grows more efficiently (P< 0.05) than the SP, an intermediate size breed. Under conditions existing in the Gulf Coast region of Texas, breeds that are adapted to the environment are recommended for use in initiating goat production programs. Tremendous potential exist to make a living with goats in this region