Current state of goat breeding in Central Serbia

Abstract

This paper describes the present state of goat production in Central Serbia, discussing the challenges and future prospects for this livestock system. Number of goats in the country is decreasing and it has been so throughout the years now. Production systems in goat sector in Serbia are predominately extensive or semi-intensive, especially in hilly-mountainous areas and goats are kept in small herds. The majority of goats raised in Central Serbia region are of French Alpine breed, which takes the most dominant place in breed structure. In addition to French Alpine breed, there are also Saanen, Balkan and Domestic white goats. Production of goats in Serbia is directed towards milk-meat, but primarily milk and there are no typical meat (fattening) breeds of goats in Serbia. In Central Serbia, herd books are kept for goats raised on this territory. Quality breeding animals are registered at Central herd book and are under productivity control. However, this is only a small portion of animals and the productivity of majority of goats is unknown. Productivity of high yielding breeds such as Alpine and Saanen goat is inconsistent and not high, especially milk production. Indigenous goat breeds are considered endangered and their breeding was almost completely abandoned. Goat sector in Central Serbia is almost completely dependent on government founding. The only sustainable prospects for preserving goat sector in Central Serbia for the future are clean organic production, reinforcement of markets for goat products and smart government founding.