Reproductive rate of Kacang goat in the coastal areas of Muna Barat Regency

Abstract Goat farming is one of the primary agricultural activities in the coastal areas of Muna Barat Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province, playing a significant role in supporting the region’s economic and social development. This study aims to assess the reproductive performance of Kacang goat does in this area. The research was conducted in the coastal regions of Muna Barat Regency using a survey approach, involving data collection from 6 villages across 6 coastal districts. The villages were selected through purposive sampling, focusing on those with coastal proximity. Goat farmers were chosen using snowball sampling, resulting in a sample of 30 goat farmers and a total of 100 Kacang goat does as study subjects. The observed variables included farmer characteristics (age, education level, and farming experience), management systems, breeding systems, and reproductive performance indicators (litter size, kid survival rate, kidding interval, and reproductive rate). The study results indicate an average farmer age of 40.46 years, with most farmers being junior high school graduates (56.66%) and an average farming experience of 3.68 years. The dominant production system was semi-intensive (46.67%), and natural breeding methods were used throughout. Reproductive performance analysis revealed an average litter size of 1.25 kids, kid survival rate of 76%, kidding interval of 0.64 years, and a reproductive rate of 1.48 kids/doe/year. These findings suggest that the Kacang goat farming sector in the coastal areas of Muna Barat has significant potential for further development. Through improved husbandry practices and optimized reproductive management strategies.