Performance of sheep and goats in small-holder farms in Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea

Abstract

This paper reports a study conducted over a period of two years to evaluate the relative performance of sheep and goats under village condition in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. Goats showed relatively higher fertility rate (80 vs 32 %) than the sheep. Preweaning mortality was high, particularly in sheep resulting in very low weaning rates. Prolificacy was variable and found to be highly influenced by the feeding regime. The study indicates that under village conditions in Eastern Highlands Province performance of goats is much superior to that of sheep