Management Practices to Reduce Kid Mortality Under Intensive Goat Farming System

Kid mortality is one of the major constraints affecting productivity and profitability of goat farming systems worldwide. Losses due to kid mortality significantly reduce net and gross returns, threatening the economic sustainability of both smallholder and commercial goat enterprises. Mortality rates are influenced by multiple factors including season, birth weight, age, parity of the dam, nutritional status, management practices, and disease incidence. The present review critically evaluates the major predisposing factors, causes, and management-related determinants of kid mortality in goats. Emphasis is placed on prenatal care of does, periparturient management, neonatal care, colostrum feeding, housing, nutrition, vaccination, and control of major diseases. Evidence-based management strategies to reduce kid mortality are discussed, highlighting the importance of integrated health, nutrition, housing, and welfare-oriented interventions for improving survival and overall farm profitability.