Flock Dynamics of the West African Dwarf Goat in Western Burkina Faso: Implications for Community-based Breeding Program

Abstract

This study aimed to identify avenues for sustainable genetic improvement programs. It involved field monitoring of flocks of Djallonké goats in the province of Poni, in the South-West region. Between 2024 and 2025, an initial population of 644 females and 107 males were monitored. Four parameters, including body weight, litter size, parity, and flock events (kidding, deaths, and sales) at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months, were monitored. Descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and logistic regression were performed to obtain means, frequencies and odds ratio. Mortality rates of 25.57%, 25.00%, and 9.13% were recorded during the rainy, cold dry, and hot dry seasons, respectively. kidding frequencies observed were 59%, 9%, and 32% during the hot dry, cold dry, and rainy seasons, respectively. A significant difference (odds ratio = 1.05) was obtained between the does age and the likelihood of a multiple kidding. The litter size increases from 1.05 for the first kidding to 1.8 for the sixth kidding. The dynamics of Djallonké goat flocks in households revealed a correlation between climatic constraints and zootechnical performance, a characteristic of extensive livestock systems. Low body weight dispersion was noted at 3, 6, 9, and 18 months of age. These results reveal the characteristics of the extensive livestock system, where sanitary, nutritional, and environmental constraints limit the expression of goats' performance potential. Therefore, sustainable genetic improvement in such contexts must be preceded by improvement in the rearing environment. The program must include a health component to ensure survival until the selection.