Abstract :
Animal output is a complex set of activities dependent upon interrelated abiotic, biotic
and socio-economic factors. Increasing reproductive performances, reducing mortality rate,
accelerating growth rate and improving carcass merit or milk quality are multiple and
interdependent objectives. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to characterise animals
and systems for the different interrelated production traits. Setting priorities and
implementing research within development projects are better accomplished through the
farming system concept and holistic approach of interrelated factors of variation. This paper
outlines the interest of the farming system approach and a general framework of the variable
factors in goat performances. From these, guidelines are proposed for piloting the
whole system through reproductive management, matching the system to available feed
resources, implementing an integrated health control protocol, and adapting the breeding
improvement approach to the local sector’s characteristics. The second part of this paper
presents case studies gathered from different experiences in countries of the Caribbean
basin (sensus largo). These deal with climatic effects, the use of a male-effect, the use of
forage trees and shrubs and integrated health control. The focus lies on both meat and goat
milk production in the Caribbean basin.
